Substrate for sample analysis

ABSTRACT

This substrate for sample analysis, which transfers a sample-containing liquid by means of rotation and analyzes a specific substance in a sample, is provided with: a space which holds the sample-containing liquid in a substrate having a rotary shaft; a reaction chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected to the space; and a dried reagent disposed in the space of the reaction chamber. The space has a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The inlet and the outlet are arranged at the first end and the second end, respectively. The space has a capillary portion, and a first non-capillary portion which is connected to the capillary portion, is located at the second end, has an opening, and extends in a radial direction. The outlet is connected to the outer peripheral side of the first non-capillary portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a sample analysis substrate.

BACKGROUND ART

As a method for analyzing blood or the like, a technology of using a sample analysis substrate is known. According to this technology, a liquid solution containing a specimen such as blood or the like is introduced into a sample analysis substrate including chambers, flow paths and the like, and the sample analysis substrate is rotated. Thus, the liquid solution is, for example, transferred, distributed, mixed, and reacted with an agent, and thus an analysis is performed on a component in the specimen (see, for example, Patent Document No. 1).

According to another known technology, in order to cause the detection sensitivity to increase, a component in the liquid solution is bound to a labeling substance containing magnet beads in a reaction chamber, and then a washing step is performed. In the washing step, the labeling substance is washed in a measurement chamber in the state where the labeling substance is absorbed by a magnet. As a result, a component in the liquid solution is optically detected with the concentration thereof in the liquid solution being increased (see, for example, Patent Document No. 2).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Document No. 1: Japanese PCT National-Phase Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 7-500910

Patent Document No. 2: WO2017/115733

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

With the analysis performed by use of a conventional sample analysis substrate, the measurement precision may be decreased. A non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present application provides a sample analysis substrate capable of improving the measurement precision.

Solution to Problem

A sample analysis substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention is rotatable to transfer a liquid containing a specimen to analyze a specific substance in the specimen. The sample analysis substrate includes a base plate including a rotation shaft; a reaction chamber located in the base plate, the reaction chamber including a space holding the liquid containing the specimen and having an inlet and an outlet connected with the space; and a dried agent located in the space of the reaction chamber. The space has a first end and a second end away from each other in a circumferential direction. The inlet and outlet are respectively located at the first end and the second end. The space includes a capillary portion and a first non-capillary portion connected with the capillary portion, located at the second end, having an opening, and extending in a radial direction, and the output is connected to, and provided outer to, the first non-capillary portion.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With a sample analysis substrate according to an embodiment of the present application, the reaction in the reaction chamber is performed more homogeneously, and a highly precise measurement is made possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of schematic view showing a sandwich immunoassay using a magnetic particle.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view showing an example of structure of a sample analysis system in an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing an example of structure detecting an origin of a sample analysis substrate in the sample analysis system.

FIG. 3A is an exploded isometric view showing an example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 3C is a plan view showing a structure regarding transfer of a reaction solution in the sample analysis substrate shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a plan view showing a main chamber and a siphon structure of a third flow path in the sample analysis substrate shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is an isometric view showing an example of method for holding a magnet in the sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 3F is a plan view showing a structure regarding transfer of a washing solution in the sample analysis substrate shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3G is a partial enlarged plan view of a structure of a first flow path in the sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 3H is a plan view showing a structure regarding transfer of a substrate solution in the sample analysis substrate shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of a liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 8 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 12 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 13 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 14 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 15 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 16 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 17 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 18 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 19 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 20 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 21 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 22 schematically shows an example of angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped and an example of position of the liquid during the operation of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 23A is a plan view showing another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 23B is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 24A is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 24B is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 24C is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 25A is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 25B is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 25C is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing still another example of sample analysis substrate.

FIG. 28A is a plan view showing another example of reaction chamber.

FIG. 28B is a plan view showing still another example of reaction chamber.

FIG. 28C is a plan view showing still another example of reaction chamber.

FIG. 28D is a plan view showing still another example of reaction chamber.

FIG. 28E is a plan view showing still another example of reaction chamber.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view showing a space according to another example of reaction chamber three-dimensionally.

FIG. 30A shows a cross-section of a second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 29 along line A-A′.

FIG. 30B shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 29 along line B-B′.

FIG. 30C shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 29 along line C-C′.

FIG. 30D shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 29 along line D-D′.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view showing a space according to still another example of reaction chamber three-dimensionally.

FIG. 32A shows a cross-section of a second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 31 taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 32B shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 31 taken along line B-B′.

FIG. 32C shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 31 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 32D shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 31 taken along line D-D′.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view showing a space according to still another example of reaction chamber three-dimensionally.

FIG. 34A shows a cross-section of a second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 33 taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 34B shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 33 taken along line B-B′.

FIG. 34C shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 33 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 34D shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 33 taken along line D-D′.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view showing a space according to still another example of reaction chamber three-dimensionally.

FIG. 36A shows a cross-section of a second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 35 taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 36B shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 35 taken along line B-B′.

FIG. 36C shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 35 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 36D shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 35 taken along line D-D′.

FIG. 37 is an isometric view showing a space according to still another example of reaction chamber three-dimensionally.

FIG. 38A shows a cross-section of a second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 37 taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 38B shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 37 taken along line B-B′.

FIG. 38C shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 37 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 38D shows a cross-section of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber shown in FIG. 37 taken along line D-D′.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present inventors studied, in detail, why the measurement precision is declined in an analysis performed by use of a conventional sample analysis substrate, and found a problem in the reaction chamber.

In an analysis performed by use of a sample analysis substrate, the following is performed in order to improve the detection precision. In a reaction chamber, a solution containing a specimen is measured, and a labeling substance containing magnet beads and an antigen in the specimen are bound to each other. Then, in a measurement chamber, the antigen bound to the labeling substance is washed in the state of being absorbed by a magnet. For this purpose, the reaction chamber includes a capillary space by which a certain amount of liquid containing the specimen is measured. However, in the capillary space, the movement of the liquid is limited and thus the liquid cannot be mixed sufficiently with the labeling substance containing the magnet beads. As a result, a specific substance in the specimen and the labeling substance containing the magnet beads cannot be bound to each other, and thus the measurement precision is declined.

In light of this problem, the present inventors conceived a sample analysis substrate having a novel structure that allows the liquid containing the specimen and the labeling substance containing the magnet beads to be mixed together sufficiently in a reaction chamber. The sample analysis substrate and the sample analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention are as follows.

[Item 1]

A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid containing a specimen to analyze a specific substance in the specimen, the sample analysis substrate comprising:

a base plate including a rotation shaft;

a reaction chamber located in the base plate, the reaction chamber including a space holding the liquid containing the specimen and having an inlet and an outlet connected with the space; and

a dried agent located in the space of the reaction chamber,

wherein the space has a first end and a second end away from each other in a circumferential direction,

wherein the inlet and outlet are respectively located at the first end and the second end, and

wherein the space includes a capillary portion and a first non-capillary portion connected with the capillary portion, located at the second end, having an opening, and extending in a radial direction, and the output is connected to, and provided outer to, the first non-capillary portion.

[Item 2]

The sample analysis substrate of item 1, wherein the space includes a second non-capillary portion connected with the capillary portion, located inner to the capillary portion, having an opening, and extending in the circumferential direction.

[Item 3]

The sample analysis substrate of item 2, wherein the second non-capillary portion is connected with the first non-capillary portion.

[Item 4]

The sample analysis substrate of item 2 or 3, wherein the second non-capillary portion is connected with the inlet.

[Item 5]

The sample analysis substrate of item 2, wherein the second non-capillary portion is not connected with the inlet or the first non-capillary portion.

[Item 6]

The sample analysis substrate of item 1 or 2,

wherein the reaction chamber has a top surface and a bottom surface defining the space, and

wherein the capillary portion in the space has substantially an equal height, between the top surface and the bottom surface, in the circumferential direction.

[Item 7]

The sample analysis substrate of item 1 or 2, wherein the reaction chamber has a top surface and a bottom surface defining the space, and wherein the capillary portion in the space includes a portion in which a height between the top surface and the bottom surface is different from the other portion in the circumferential direction.

[Item 8]

The sample analysis substrate of item 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of the first end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.

[Item 9]

The sample analysis substrate of item 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of the second end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.

[Item 10]

The sample analysis substrate of item 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of each of the first end and the second end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.

[Item 11]

A sample analysis system, comprising:

the sample analysis substrate of any one of items 1 through 10; and

a sample analysis device including:

-   -   a motor rotating the sample analysis substrate about the         rotation shaft;     -   a rotation angle detection circuit detecting a rotation angle of         a rotation shaft of the motor;     -   a driving circuit controlling the rotation of the motor and the         rotation angle at which the motor stops, based on a result of         the detection of the rotation angle detection circuit; and     -   a control circuit including an operator, a memory and a program         stored on the memory so as to be executable by the operator, the         control circuit controlling an operation of the motor, the         rotation angle detection circuit and the driving circuit based         on the program;         wherein in the case where the sample analysis substrate having         the liquid containing the specimen introduced into the reaction         chamber is mounted on the sample analysis device, the program         causes the sample analysis substrate to swing to release and         disperse the dried agent into the liquid.

Hereinafter, a sample analysis substrate, a sample analysis device, a sample analysis system and a program for the sample analysis system according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an analysis method using magnetic particles (sandwich immunoassay using magnetic particles) will be described. Then, the structure of the sample analysis device and the sample analysis substrate (the structure of the sample analysis device 200 and the structure of the sample analysis substrate 100) and the operation of the sample analysis system (the operation of the sample analysis system 501) will be described. After this, structures of the reaction chamber especially preferred to solve the above-described problem (other examples of the reaction chamber) will be described. In the drawings in the present application, the elements may be partially omitted or the reference signs may be omitted for the sake of easier understanding.

(Sandwich Immunoassay Using Magnetic Particles)

A method for analyzing a component in a specimen of urine, blood or the like may use a binding reaction of an analyte, which is a target of analysis, and a ligand specifically bindable with the analyte. Examples of such an analysis method include an immunological measurement method and a gene diagnosis method.

Examples of the immunological measurement method include a competitive immunoassay and a sandwich immunoassay. An example of the gene diagnosis method is a gene detection method by use of hybridization. The immunological measurement method and the gene detection method use, for example, magnetic particles (may also be referred to as “magnetic beads”, “magnet particles”, “magnet beads” or the like). As an example of such an analysis method, a sandwich immunoassay using magnetic particles will be described specifically.

As shown in FIG. 1, first, a primary antibody 304 immobilized on a surface of a magnetic particle 302 (hereinafter, referred to as a “magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305”) and an antigen 306, which is a target of measurement, are bound to each other by an antigen-antibody reaction. Next, a secondary antibody having a labeling substance 307 bound thereto (hereinafter, referred to as a “labeled antibody 308”) and the antigen 306 are bound to each other by an antigen-antibody reaction. As a result, a complex body 310 including the antigen 306, and the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 bound to the antigen 306, is obtained.

A signal based on the labeling substance 307 of the labeled antibody 308 bound to the complex body 310 is detected, and the antibody concentration is measured in accordance with the amount of the detected signal. The labeling substance 307 may be, for example, an enzyme (e.g., peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, luciferase, etc.), a chemical light emitting substance, an electrochemical light emitting substance, a fluorescent substance or the like. A signal such as a colorant, light emission, fluorescence or the like is detected in accordance with the type of labelling substance 307.

In order to obtain the complex body 310 as a reaction product by the above-described series of reactions, it is required to separate an unreacted substance in the specimen, a substance non-specifically adsorbed to the magnetic particle or the like, and an unreacted substance, for example, the labeled antibody 308 not involved in the formation of the complex body 310. Such separation is referred to as “B/F separation” (Bound/Free Separation). The competitive immunoassay as an example of the immune measurement method, and the gene detection method by use of hybridization, also need to perform the step of B/F separation.

In the above, the sandwich immunoassay performed by use of a magnetic particle is described as an example. The B/F separation is needed in the competitive immunoassay and the sandwich immunoassay as examples of the immune measurement method and the gene detection method by use of hybridization, regardless of whether the magnetic particle is used or not. In the case where the magnetic particle is not used, a ligand as follows is used, for example: a ligand immobilized by physical adsorption to a solid phase formed of a material such as polystyrene or polycarbonate, a ligand immobilized by a chemical bond to a solid phase, a ligand immobilized to a surface of a metal substrate formed of gold or the like (e.g., immobilized by use of a Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM)), etc.

In order to sufficiently perform the B/F separation, it is preferred to wash the magnetic particle containing the complex body 310 with a washing solution a plurality of times. Specifically, first, the complex body 310 containing the magnetic particle is captured by a magnet in a reaction solution containing the complex body 310, the unreacted antigen 306, the labeled antibody 308 and the like, and in this state, only the reaction solution is removed. Then, the washing solution is added to wash the complex body 310, and the washing solution is removed. Such washing is performed a plurality of times, and as a result, the B/F separation may be performed with the unreacted substance and non-specifically adsorbed substance being sufficiently removed. The sample analysis substrate according to the present application allows one or more cycles of washing to be performed for the B/F separation.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view showing an overall structure of a sample analysis system 501. The sample analysis system 501 includes a sample analysis substrate 100 and a sample analysis device 200.

(Structure of the Sample Analysis Device 200)

The sample analysis device 200 includes a motor 201, an origin detector 203, a rotation angle detection circuit 204, a control circuit 205, a driving circuit 206, and an optical measurement unit 207.

The motor 201 includes a turntable 201 a and a rotation shaft A inclined with respect to the direction of gravity (vertical direction) G by angle θ that is larger than 0 degrees and 90 degrees or smaller, and rotates the sample analysis substrate 100 located on the turntable 201 a about the rotation shaft A. Since the rotation shaft A is inclined, a centrifugal force provided by the rotation and also a movement realized by a gravitational force are usable to transfer a liquid in the sample analysis substrate 100. An inclination angle of the rotation shaft A with respect to the direction of gravity G is preferably 5 degrees or larger, more preferably 10 degrees or larger and 45 degrees or smaller, and still more preferably 20 degrees or larger and 30 degrees or smaller. The motor 201 may be, for example, a DC motor, a brushless motor, an ultrasonic motor or the like.

The origin detector 203 detects an origin of the sample analysis substrate 100 attached to the motor 201. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the origin detector 203 includes a light source 203 a, a light receiving element 203 b and an origin detection circuit 203 c, and is located such that the sample analysis substrate 100 is located between the light source 203 a and the light receiving element 203 b. For example, the light source 203 a is a light emitting diode, and the light receiving element 203 b is a photodiode. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sample analysis substrate 100 includes a marker 210 located at a specific position. The marker 210 has, for example, a light-blocking property and blocks at least a part of light emitted from the light source 203 a. A region of the sample analysis substrate 100 where the marker 210 is provided has a low light transmittance (e.g., 10, or lower), and a region of the sample analysis substrate 100 other than the marker 210 has a high light transmittance (e.g., 60% or higher).

When the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated by the motor 201, the light receiving element 203 b outputs a detection signal in accordance with the amount of light incident thereon to the origin detection circuit 203 c. In accordance with the rotation direction, the detection signal is increased or decreased at an edge 210 a or an edge 210 b of the marker 210. In the case where, for example, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated clockwise as represented by the arrow, the origin detection circuit 203 c detects a decrease in the detected amount of light and outputs the decrease as an origin signal. In this specification, the position of the edge 210 a of the marker 210 is treated as the position of the origin of the sample analysis substrate 100 (angular position acting as a reference for the sample analysis substrate 100). Alternatively, a specific angular position arbitrarily defined based on the position of the edge 210 a of the marker 210 may be defined as the origin position. In the case where the marker 210 is fan-shaped and a central angle thereof is smaller than the angle detection accuracy required for sample analysis, the position of the marker 210 itself may be defined as the origin position.

The origin position is used by the sample analysis device 200 to acquire information on a rotation angle of the sample analysis substrate 100. The origin detector 203 may have another structure. For example, the sample analysis substrate 100 may include a magnet for detecting the origin, and the origin detector 203 may be a magnetism detection element that detects the magnetism of the magnet. Alternatively, a magnet described below that captures the magnetic particles may be used to detect the origin. In the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is attachable to the turntable 201 a only at a specific angle, the origin detector 203 does not need to be provided.

The rotation angle detection circuit 204 detects an angle of the rotation shaft A of the motor 201. The rotation angle detection circuit 204 may be, for example, a rotary encoder attached to the rotation shaft A. In the case where the motor 201 is a brushless motor, the rotation angle detection circuit 204 may include a hall element provided in the brushless motor and a detection circuit that receives an output signal from the hall element and outputs the angle of the rotation shaft A.

The driving circuit 206 rotates the motor 201. Specifically, the driving circuit 206 rotates the sample analysis substrate 100 clockwise or counterclockwise based on an instruction from the control circuit 205. The driving circuit 206 also stops swinging or rotating the sample analysis substrate 100 based on the detection results provided by the rotation angle detection circuit 204 and the origin detector 203 and an instruction from the control circuit 205.

The optical measurement unit 207 detects a signal (e.g., colorant, light emission, fluorescence, etc.) in accordance with the labeling substance 307 of the labeled antibody 308 bound to the complex body 310 (FIG. 1) held on the sample analysis 100.

The control circuit 205 includes, for example, a CPU provided in the sample analysis device 200. The control circuit 205 executes a computer program read into a RAM (Random Access Memory; not shown) to transmit a command to other circuits in accordance with a procedure of the computer program. Each of the circuits receiving the command operates as described in this specification to realize the function of the respective circuit. As shown in, for example, FIG. 2A, the command from the control circuit 205 is transmitted to the driving circuit 206, the rotation angle detection circuit 204, the optical measurement unit 207 and the like. The procedure of the computer program is shown in the flowchart provided in one of the attached drawings.

The RAM having the computer program read thereinto, namely, the RAM having the computer program stored thereon, may be volatile or non-volatile. A volatile RAM does not hold the information stored thereon unless power is supplied thereto. For example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is a typical volatile RAM. A non-volatile RAM holds the information even if no power is supplied thereto. For example, a magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), a resistive random access memory (ReRAM) and a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) are examples of non-volatile RAM. In this embodiment, it is preferred to use a non-volatile RAM.

A volatile RAM and a non-volatile RAM are both examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. A magnetic storage medium such as a hard disc or like and an optical storage medium such as an optical disc or the like are also examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Namely, a computer program according to this disclosure may be stored on any of various non-transitory computer-readable mediums, other than a medium such as air or the like (transitory medium), that propagates the computer program as a radio signal.

In this specification, the control circuit 205 is described as an element separated from the rotation angle detection circuit 204 and the origin detection circuit 203 c of the origin detector 203. Alternatively, these circuits may be realized by common hardware. For example, the CPU (computer) included in the sample analysis device 200 may execute a computer program acting as the control circuit 205, a computer program acting as the rotation angle detection circuit 204 and a computer program acting as the origin detection circuit 203 c of the origin detector 203 in a serial manner or a parallel manner. With such an arrangement, the CPU appears to be operated as different elements.

(Sample Analysis Substrate 100)

[1. Overall Structure]

FIG. 3A is an exploded isometric view of the sample analysis substrate 100. The sample analysis substrate 100 includes a rotation shaft 110 and a plate-like substrate 100′ having a predetermined thickness in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 110. The substrate 100′ of the sample analysis substrate 100 includes a base plate 100 a and a cover plate 100 b. In this embodiment, the substrate 100′ of the sample analysis substrate 100 is circular. Alternatively, the substrate 100′ of the sample analysis substrate 100 may be, for example, polygonal, elliptical, fan-shaped or the like. The substrate 100′ has two main surfaces 100 c and 100 d. In this embodiment, the main surface 100 c and the main surface 100 d are parallel to each other, and a thickness of the substrate 100′ defined by the distance between the main surface 100 c and the main surface 100 d (distance between the two main surfaces) is the same regardless of the position in the substrate 100′. Alternatively, the main surfaces 100 c and 100 d do not need to be parallel to each other. For example, the two main surfaces may be partially unparallel or parallel to each other, or may be entirely unparallel to each other. Still alternatively, at least one of the main surfaces 100 c and 100 d may have a recessed portion or a protruding portion.

FIG. 3B is a plan view of the base plate 100 a. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sample analysis substrate 100 includes a first holding chamber 101, a second holding chamber 102, a third holding chamber 103, a first storage chamber 104, a second storage chamber 105, a reaction chamber 106, a main chamber 107 and a recovery chamber 108 located in the substrate 100′. There is no specific limitation on the shape of each of the chambers unless otherwise specified below. The chambers may have any shape. The chambers each have a space generally defined by a top surface and a bottom surface generally parallel to the two main surfaces 100 c and 100 d (FIG. 3A) of the substrate 100′ and three or more side surfaces located between the two main surfaces 100 c and 100 d. The top surface, the bottom surface and two adjacent side surfaces among the side surfaces do not need to be divided from each other by a clear ridge. For example, the chambers may each be a flat sphere or a spheroid.

The sample analysis substrate 100 further includes a first flow path 111, a second flow path 112, a third flow path 113, a fourth flow path 114, a fifth flow path 115, a sixth flow path 116, and a seventh flow path 117 located in the substrate 111′. The first flow path 111 connects the first holding chamber 101 and the reaction chamber 106 to each other. The second flow path 112 connects the reaction chamber 106 and the main chamber 107 to each other. The third flow path 113 connects the main chamber 107 and the recovery chamber 108 to each other. The fourth flow path 114 connects the first storage chamber 104 and the first holding chamber 101 to each other. The fifth flow path 115 connects the second storage chamber 105 and the second holding chamber 102 to each other. The sixth flow path 116 connects the second holding chamber 102 and the third holding chamber 103 to each other. The seventh flow path 117 connects the third holding chamber 103 and the main chamber 107 to each other. In this manner, the first holding chamber 101 connected with the first storage chamber 104 via the fourth flow path 114 is connected with the reaction chamber 106, not with the main chamber 107, via the first flow path 111.

A liquid may be transferred between the chambers via the flow paths in any of various methods. For example, transfer by a gravitational force or transfer by a capillary force and a centrifugal force provided by a rotation may be used. Hereinafter, these two transfer methods will be generally described.

In the case of a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force, the liquid is movable in the flow path by the gravitational force. As shown in, for example, FIG. 2A, the sample analysis substrate 100 is supported by the rotation shaft 110 as being inclined with respect to the direction of gravity G at an angle in the range that is larger than 0 degrees and 90 degrees or smaller. The rotation angle of the sample analysis substrate 100 is changed, so that the chamber as a transfer source that contains the liquid is located at a position higher than that of the chamber as a transfer destination. The term “higher” refers to being above in the direction of gravity G. With such an arrangement, the liquid in the chamber as the transfer source moves in the flow path by the gravitational force and is transferred to the chamber as the transfer destination. The flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force is not a capillary tube described below. The flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force has a thickness of, for example, 1 mm or longer.

Alternatively, the flow path may be a capillary tube. The “capillary tube” refers to a flow path that has a small cross-section and is allowed to be filled with a liquid in a part thereof by a capillary force provided by a capillary action. Transfer of a liquid via a capillary tube will be described by way of an example of structure including a chamber A and a chamber B, which are not capillary spaces, and a flow path as a capillary tube connecting the chamber A and the chamber B to each other. The liquid held in the chamber A, when contacting an opening of the capillary tube provided in the chamber A, is absorbed into the flow path by a capillary force, and thus the flow path is partially or entirety filled with the liquid. The position of the flow path to be filled with the liquid, and the amount of liquid to fill the flow path, are determined by the balance between the capillary force acting on the liquid in the flow path and the gravitational force.

In order to cause the capillary tube to be filled with the liquid by the capillary force, an air hole is formed in each of the chamber A and the chamber B to match the pressure in the two chambers with the pressure in an external environment, so as not to cause a pressure difference by the movement of the liquid.

In the state where the flow path is filled with the liquid by the capillary force, the liquid in the flow path is still by the balance among the capillary force, the atmospheric pressure and the gravitational force, and thus the liquid is not transferred from the chamber A to the chamber B. The liquid is not transferred even in the case where the sample analysis substrate is rotated so as to have a centrifugal force smaller than, or equal to, the capillary force act on the liquid in the flow path.

By contrast, in the case where the chamber B is located farther from the rotation shaft than the chamber A and the sample analysis substrate is rotated so as to have a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force act on the liquid in the flow path as the capillary tube, the liquid in the chamber A may be transferred to the chamber B by the centrifugal force.

In the case where a capillary action is used to transfer a liquid via a flow path, the flow path has a thickness of, for example, 50 μm to 300 μm. In order to form regions of chambers or to form flow paths having different thicknesses, spaces having different depths may be formed in the base plate 100 a, for example. Alternatively, spaces of the same depth may be formed in the base plate 100 a and protruding portions having different heights may be formed on the cover plate 100 b at positions corresponding to the chambers and flow paths. In this manner also, the chambers and the flow paths have different thicknesses.

As described below, a part of, or the entirety of, a flow path may be a capillary space so as to fill a part of, or the entirety of, a chamber with the held liquid with certainty. In this case, a region acting as the capillary space has a thickness of 50 μm to 300 μm as described above.

In order to cause a liquid to be transferred by a capillary force and a centrifugal force provided by a rotation, the sample analysis substrate 100 having a diameter of 60 mm may be rotated at a rotation rate in the range of 100 rpm to 8000 rpm, for example. The rotation rate is determined in accordance with the shape of each of the chambers and the flow paths, properties of the liquid, timing of transfer of, or treatment on, the liquid, or the like.

An inner surface of the flow path or the chamber on which a capillary force is to act, and an inner surface of a portion in the vicinity of a connection portion of the chamber connected with the flow path, may be treated to be hydrophilic. The hydrophilic treatment allows the capillary force to act strongly. In order to cause the hydrophilic treatment to be performed, the above-described inner surfaces may be, for example, coated with a nonion, cation, anion or amphoteric ion surfactant, treated with corona discharge, or supplied with microscopic physical recessed and protruding portions (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-3361). In the case where the first flow path 111 through the seventh flow path 117 are spaces that may be filled with a liquid by a capillary action, these flow paths may also be treated to be hydrophilic.

The first holding chamber 101, the second holding chamber 102, the third holding chamber 103, the first storage chamber 104, the second storage chamber 105, the reaction chamber 106, the main chamber 107 and the recovery chamber 108 are each provided with at least one air hole 122. With such a structure, the chambers are kept at the atmospheric pressure in the environment and the liquid may move between the flow paths by the capillary action and the siphon principle. The first storage chamber 104, the second storage chamber 105 and the reaction chamber 106 may each have an opening 123 usable to inject a washing solution and a substrate solution. The air hole 122 may also act as the opening 123.

The spaces of the first holding chamber 101, the second holding chamber 102, the third holding chamber 103, the first storage chamber 104, the second storage chamber 105, the reaction chamber 106, the main chamber 107 and the recovery chamber 108 are formed in the base plate 100 a, and the base plate 100 a is covered with the cover plate 100 b. Thus, the top surface and the bottom surface of each of the spaces are formed. Namely, these spaces are defined by the inner surfaces of the substrate 100′. The first flow path 111, the second flow path 112, the third flow path 113, the fourth flow path 114, the fifth flow path 115, the sixth flow path 116 and the seventh flow path 117 are also formed in the base plate 100 a, and the base plate 100 a is covered with the cover plate 100 b. Thus, top surfaces and bottom surfaces of these flow paths are formed. In this embodiment, the base plate 100 a and the cover plate 100 b respectively define the top surfaces and the bottom surfaces. The substrate 100′ may be formed of, for example, a resin such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene or the like.

Table 1 shows a combination of the substance or liquid to be introduced into the sample analysis substrate 100 in this embodiment at the start of sample analysis, the chamber to which the substance or liquid is to be introduced first, and the order in which the introduced substances and liquids are to be introduced into the main chamber. The combination shown in Table 1 is merely an example, and the substance or liquid to be introduced into the chamber and the order in which the substances and liquids are to be introduced into the main chamber 107 are not limited to those shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, a specimen containing the antigen 306 and the labeled antibody 308 are introduced into the reaction chamber 106, and the complex body 310 is generated in the reaction chamber 106. In this embodiment, among these substances, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 are located as being contained in a dried agent in the reaction chamber 106 in advance. A substrate solution is introduced into the second storage chamber 105. A washing solution is introduced into the first storage chamber 104. As described below in detail, the washing solution held in the first storage chamber 104 is introduced into the main chamber 107 via the reaction chamber 106.

TABLE 1 ORDER OF INTRODUCTION SUBSTANCE INTO MAIN CHAMBER TO BE HELD CHAMBER 107 REACTION MAGNETIC PARTICLE- 1 CHAMBER 106 IMMOBILIZED ANTIBODY 305 AND LABELED ANTIBODY 308 (DRYING AGENT 125), SPECIMEN (ANTIGEN 306) 1ST STORAGE WASHING SOLUTION 2 CHAMBER 104 2ND STORAGE SUBSTRATE SOLUTION 3 CHAMBER 105

Hereinafter, with reference to mainly FIG. 3C through FIG. 3H, the chambers and the flow paths regarding the complex body 310, the washing solution and the substrate solution will be described in the order of the introduction into the main chamber 107 shown in the table above. In FIG. 3C through FIG. 3H, the elements of the sample analysis substrate 100 that are not related to, or not referred to, the description are not shown for the sake of easier understanding.

[Reaction Chamber 106]

As shown in FIG. 3C, the reaction chamber 106 is provided in the sample analysis substrate 100. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the reaction chamber 106 is a reaction field in which the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, the specimen containing the antigen 306 and the labeled antibody 308 are reacted to form the complex body 310.

In this embodiment, the reaction chamber 106 includes a first portion 106 q and a second portion 106 r.

In this embodiment, the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r are generally aligned in a circumferential direction of a circle centered around the rotation shaft 11. A wall portion 126 formed of an inner surface of the substrate 100′ is located between the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r. The wall portion 126 protrudes toward the rotation shaft 110 and separates the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r from each other. The first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r are in contact with each other on a position on a radius connecting the rotation shaft 110 and a point 126 p, in the wall portion 126, that is closest to the rotation shaft 110.

The first portion 106 q includes a first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, and a second region 106 qe, which is a capillary space. The first region 106 qf and the second region 106 qe are adjacent to each other, and spaces thereof are in communication with each other. The second region 106 qe of the first portion 106 q is a narrow region along the wall portion 126. The second region 106 qe is in contact with an outermost side surface 106 qa, which is farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces of the first portion 106 q. By contrast, the space of the first region 106 qf is sufficiently large to hold a specimen. In the first portion, the first region 106 qf is closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the second region 106 qe.

The second portion 106 r includes a first region 106 rf, which is a non-capillary space, and a second region 106 re, which is a capillary space. The first region 106 rf and the second region 106 re are adjacent to each other, and spaces thereof are in communication with each other. The first region 106 rf is located along a side surface facing an outermost side surface 106 ra, which is farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces defining the second portion 106 r. Specifically, the first region 106 rf is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the second region 106 re.

The first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q is connected with the first region 106 rf of the second region 106 r. The second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r is connected with the second region 106 re of the second region 106 r.

As represented by the dashed line in FIG. 3C, the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r each include a portion located farther from an arc 126 ar, which has, as a radius, a line segment connecting the rotation shaft 110 and the point 126 p, in the wall portion 126, closest to the rotation shaft 110. Specifically, a part of the first region 106 qr of the first portion 106 q and a part of the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r are located outer to the arc 126 ar.

As described above, in the reaction chamber 106, the non-capillary spaces and the capillary spaces have different thicknesses from each other.

In this embodiment, the dried agent 125 containing the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 both in a dried state is held in the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r in advance.

A liquid containing a specimen solution that contains the antigen 306 is introduced into the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106 at the start of sample analysis. When the introduced liquid contacts the second region 102 qe of the first portion 106 q, the introduced liquid fills the second region 102 qe by a capillary force and further fills the second region 102 re of the second portion. This causes the liquid to contact the dried agent 125, and thus the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 in the dried agent 125 are eluted or dispersed into the liquid. As a result, the antigen 306, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 are mixed together in the liquid to form the complex body 310.

In the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is provided with the dried agent 125, it is preferred that the dried agent 125 is held in the capillary space of the reaction chamber 106 (in the second region 106 re) for the following reason. A liquid in a non-capillary space of a reaction chamber is moved to a capillary space by a capillary force. The force acting on the liquid at this point is smaller than a centrifugal force provided by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100. Therefore, if the dried agent 125 is held in a non-capillary space (in the first region 106 qf), the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 in the dried agent 125 does not all move to the capillary space and may partially stay in the non-capillary space.

The manner of introducing the specimen solution containing the antigen 306, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 into the reaction chamber 106 is not limited to the above-described manner. The sample analysis substrate 100 may not be provided with the dried agent 125, in which case the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, and the specimen containing the antigen 306, and the labeled antibody 308 may be introduced into the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q at the start of sample analysis. Alternatively, the sample analysis substrate 100 may include, for example, chambers respectively usable to hold the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, the specimen containing the antigen 306 and the labeled antibody 308 and flow paths (e.g., capillary tubes) coupling the respective chambers and the reaction chamber 106 to each other. Certain amounts of the specimen containing the antigen 306 and the labeled antibody 308 may be put into the respective chambers, and the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, the specimen containing the antigen 306 and the labeled antibody 308 injected into the respective chambers may be transferred to, and mixed together in, the reaction chamber 106 to form the complex body 310.

[Second Flow Path 112]

A solution containing the complex body 310 in the reaction chamber 106 is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the second flow path 112. The second flow path 112 has an opening 112 g and an opening 112 h. It is preferred that the opening 112 g of the second flow path 112 is provided in the outermost side surface 106 ra farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces defining the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 or in an adjacent side surface among the side surfaces defining the reaction chamber 106 that is adjacent to the outermost side surface 106 ra, more specifically, in a part of such an adjacent side surface including a connection portion connected with the outermost side surface 106 a. A reason for this is that with such an arrangement, when the liquid in the reaction chamber 106 is transferred to the main chamber 107, the liquid is suppressed from remaining in the reaction chamber 106. FIG. 3C shows an example in which the opening 112 g is located in a part of the outermost side surface 106 a.

The opening 112 h of the second flow path 112 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 112 g. As described below, the opening 112 h is connected with a side surface of the main chamber 107. Since the opening 112 h is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 112 g, when the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, the solution containing the complex body 310 in the reaction chamber 106 is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the second flow path 112 by a centrifugal force. The second flow path 112 may be a capillary tube or a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force.

[Main Chamber 107]

As shown in FIG. 3D, the main chamber 107 is a field in which the solution containing the complex body 310 is subjected to the B/F separation. In order to cause the B/F separation to be performed, the sample analysis substrate 100 includes a magnet accommodation chamber 120 located in the substrate 100′ and a magnet 121 located in the magnet accommodation chamber 120.

The magnet accommodation chamber 120 is located close to the space of the main chamber 107 in the sample analysis substrate 100. More specifically, the magnet accommodation chamber 120 is located close to an outermost side surface 107 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among a plurality of side surfaces of the main chamber 107. Alternatively, the magnet accommodation chamber 120 in the sample analysis substrate 100 may be located at a position close to a surface of the main chamber 107 other than the outermost side surface 107 a, for example, the top surface or the bottom surface thereof. Namely, as long as the magnetic particles are captured on a wall of the main chamber 107 by the magnet 121 located in the magnet accommodation chamber 120, there is no specific limitation on the position of the magnet accommodation chamber 120. The magnet 121 may be structured to be detachable in accordance with the state of the B/F separation, may be provided in the substrate 100′ so as to be undetachable from the magnet accommodation chamber 120, or may be provided on the sample analysis device 200.

In the case where the magnet 121 is detachable, as shown in, for example, FIG. 3E, the substrate 100′ may include the magnet accommodation chamber 120 of a recessed type that has an opening 120 a at the main surface 100 c. The magnet accommodation chamber 120 has a space capable of accommodating the magnet 121. The magnet 121 may be inserted into the magnet accommodation chamber 120 via the opening 120 a to be mounted on the substrate 100′. The opening 120 a of the magnet accommodation chamber 120 may be provided at the main surface 100 d or a side surface located between the two main surfaces 100 c and 100 d.

In the case where the magnet 121 is provided on the sample analysis device 200, a magnetic unit including the magnet 121, for example, may be provided on the turntable 201 a of the sample analysis device 200. In this case, when a user puts the sample analysis substrate 100 at a predetermined position on the turntable 201 a (magnetic unit), the magnet 121 is located at a position where the magnetic particles may be captured on the wall of the main chamber 107. In another example in which the magnet 121 is provided on the sample analysis device 200, the sample analysis device 200, for example, may include the magnet 121 and a driving mechanism that moves the magnet 121. In this case, the sample analysis substrate 100 may include an accommodation chamber usable to hold the magnet 121, and the driving mechanism may insert the magnet 121 into the accommodation chamber of the sample analysis substrate 100 or remove the magnet 121 from the accommodation chamber in accordance with the state of the B/F separation.

When the reaction solution is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the second flow path 112, an assembly of the complex body 310 and the unreacted magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 in the reaction solution (hereinafter, such an assembly will be referred to simply as a “magnetic particle 311”) gathers and is captured on the outermost side surface 107 a or in the vicinity thereof by a magnetic force of the magnet 121 located close to the outermost side surface 107 a.

The space of the main chamber 107 may include a first region 107 f and a second region 107 e adjacent to, and connected with, the first region 107 f. The first region 107 f is a non-capillary space in which a liquid is movable by a gravitational force, and the second region 107 e is a capillary space acted on by a capillary force. Therefore, the first region 107 f is thicker than the second region 107 e, and the space of the first region 107 f is larger than the space of the second region 107 e. Specifically, the first region 107 f and the second region 107 e each have a thickness in the range described above regarding the thickness of the flow path.

It is preferred that the second region 107 e is in contact with the outermost side surface 107 a, and that at least a part of the first region 107 f is closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the second region 107 e. An opening 117 h of the second flow path 112 is provided in one of the side surfaces that is in contact with the first region 107 f.

The liquid in the main chamber 107 is transferred to the recovery chamber 108 via the third flow path 113. As described below, an opening 113 g of the third flow path 113 is provided on a side surface that is in contact with the second region 102 e so as to be connected with the space of the second region 102 e.

In the main chamber 107, the first region 107 f is a space in which a liquid is movable by a gravitational force. Therefore, the first region 107 f may have a necessary size of space with certainty. The second region 107 e is a capillary space, and thus is filled, without fail, with a part of the liquid held in the main chamber 107. Therefore, the third flow path 113 contacts the second region 107 e, and thus all the liquid in the main chamber 107 may be transferred to the recovery chamber 108 via the third flow path 113. Since the washing solution and the substrate solution are introduced, as well as the reaction solution, into the main chamber 107, it is important as features that the main chamber 107 has a sufficiently large size of space to hold these liquids and is capable of transferring the held liquids to the recovery chamber 108 with certainty when necessary.

[Third Flow Path 113]

The third flow path 113 has the opening 113 g and an opening 113 h. The opening 113 g is connected with the main chamber 107, and the opening 113 h is connected with the recovery chamber 108.

It is preferred that the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113 is provided in the outermost side surface 107 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among the side surfaces of the main chamber 107 or in an adjacent side surface among the side surfaces of the main chamber 107 that is adjacent to the outermost side surface 107 a, more specifically, in a part of such an adjacent side surface including a connection portion connected with the outermost side surface 107 a. FIG. 3D shows an example in which the opening 113 g is located in the adjacent side surface adjacent to the outermost side surface 107 a. As described above, the opening 113 g is connected with the second region 107 e of the main chamber 107.

The opening 113 h of the third flow path 113 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 113 g. It is preferred that the opening 113 h is provided in an innermost side surface 108 b closest to the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces of the recovery chamber 108 or in an adjacent side surface among side surfaces of the recovery chamber 108 that is adjacent to the innermost side surface 108 b, more specifically, at a position in such an adjacent side surface that is close to the innermost side surface 108 b. FIG. 3C shows an example in which the opening 113 h is located in a part of the innermost side surface 103 b.

The third flow path 113 is also capable of absorbing the liquid held in the main chamber 107 by a capillary action. The third flow path 113 is thinner than the second region 107 e of the main chamber 107. This allows a capillary force to act on the third flow path 113 more strongly than on the second region 107 e of the main chamber 107, and thus a part of the liquid in the second region 107 e of the main chamber 107 is absorbed into the third flow path 113.

The third flow path 113 may further control the movement of the liquid by the siphon principle. For this purpose, the third flow path 113 includes a first bending portion 113 n and a second bending portion 113 m to form a siphon structure. The first bending portion 113 n is protruding in a direction away from the rotation shaft 110, and the second bending portion 113 m is protruding toward the rotation shaft 110. The first bending portion 113 n is located between the second bending portion 113 m and the main chamber 107, which is closer to the rotation shaft 110 among the main chamber 107 and the recovery chamber 108 connected to each other by the third flow path 113.

Herein, the “siphon principle” refers to control on liquid transmission by the balance between a centrifugal force applied to the liquid by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 and a capillary force of the flow path.

In the case where, for example, the third flow path 113 is a capillary tube that does not have a siphon structure, the liquid transferred from the reaction chamber 106 to the main chamber 107 via the second flow path 112 by a centrifugal force provided by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 fills the third flow path 113 by a capillary force of the third flow path 113. If the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is continued in this state, the liquid is not held in the main chamber 107 and is undesirably transferred to the recovery chamber 108 via the third flow path 113. At this point, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating at a rotation rate that may provide a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force of the third flow path 113.

By contrast, in the case where the third flow path 113 has a siphon structure, the liquid transferred from the reaction chamber 106 to the main chamber 107 is absorbed into the third flow path 113 by a capillary force of the third flow path 113. However, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 continues rotating at a rotation rate that may provide a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force of the third flow path 113, the third flow path 113 is not entirety filled with the liquid because the centrifugal force is stronger than the capillary force applied to the liquid. Namely, the third flow path 113 is filled with the liquid merely to a height that is equal to the height of the liquid surface of the liquid in the main chamber 107.

In the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating at a rotation rate that provides a centrifugal force weaker than the capillary force of the third flow path 113, the third flow path 113 is filled with the liquid by the capillary force, and the liquid does not move any further by the capillary force.

In order to cause the liquid in the main chamber 107 to be transferred to the recovery chamber 108, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated at a rotation rate that may provide a centrifugal force weaker than, or equal to, the capillary force of the third flow path 113 (encompassing a rotation rate of zero). Thus, the third flow path 113 is entirely filled with the liquid by the capillary force. Then, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated at a rotation rate that may provide a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force of the third flow path 113. As a result, the liquid in the main chamber 107 may be transferred to the recovery chamber 108.

In this manner, in the case where the third flow path 113 has a siphon structure, the reaction solution, the washing solution and the substrate solution may be once held in the main chamber 107, and the B/F separation, washing of the magnetic particle, and the reaction with the substrate solution may be appropriately performed in the main chamber 107.

FIG. 3D will be referred to. In order to cause the third flow path 113 to have a siphon structure, it is preferred that R1>R2 (condition 1) is fulfilled where R1 is the distance between the rotation shaft 110 and the innermost side surface 108 b closest to the rotation shaft 110 among the side surfaces of the recovery chamber 108 located far from the rotation shaft 110, and R2 is the distance between the rotation shaft 110 and a position in the first bending portion 113 n that is farthest from the rotation shaft 110.

In the case where the liquid held in the main chamber 107 located close to the rotation shaft 110 is eccentrically held along a side surface of the main chamber 107 by the centrifugal force, it is preferred that R4>R3 (condition 2) is fulfilled where R4 is the distance between the rotation shaft 110 and the liquid surface of the liquid, and R3 is the distance between the rotation shaft 110 and a position in the second bending portion 113 m that is closest to the rotation shaft 110.

In the case where the third flow path 113 fulfills the conditions 1 and 2 and thus the reaction liquid is transferred from the reaction chamber 106 to the main chamber 107, the sample analysis substrate 100 may be rotated at a rotation rate that provides a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force applied to the liquid in the third flow path 113. With such an arrangement, the reaction solution or the washing solution transferred to the main chamber 107 may be prevented from being transferred to the recovery chamber 108 as it is.

[Recovery Chamber 108]

The recovery chamber 108 stores the reaction solution, other than the magnetic particles 311, that is transferred from the main chamber 107 via the third flow path 113, and also stores the used washing solution transferred from the main chamber 107 via the third flow path 113. The recovery chamber 108 has a space of a capacity larger than the sum of the amount of reaction solution described above and a total amount of used washing solution corresponding to the number of times of washing. It is preferred that a main portion of the recovery chamber 108 holding the liquid is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the main chamber 107.

[First Storage Chamber 104]

FIG. 3F will be referred to. The first storage chamber 104 stores the washing solution usable for washing for the B/F separation. As described below in detail, in the sample analysis system in this embodiment, the complex body 310 may be washed a plurality of times for the B/F separation. Therefore, the first storage chamber 104 has a space capable of holding a total amount of washing solution corresponding to the number of times of washing.

[Fourth Flow Path 114]

The washing solution in the first storage chamber 104 is transferred to the first holding chamber 101 via the fourth flow path 114. The fourth flow path 114 has an opening 114 g and an opening 114 h. It is preferred that the opening 114 g of the fourth flow path 114 is provided in an outermost side surface 104 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces of the first storage chamber 104 or in an adjacent side surface among the side surfaces of the first storage chamber 104 that is adjacent to the outermost side surface 104 a, more specifically, in a part of such an adjacent side surface including a connection portion connected with the outermost side surface 104 a. FIG. 3F shows an example in which the opening 114 g is located in the connection portion, of the adjacent side surface, connected with the outermost side surface 104 a.

The opening 114 h of the fourth flow path 114 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 114 g. As described below, the opening 114 h is connected with a side surface of the first holding chamber 101. Since the opening 114 h is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 114 g, when the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, the washing solution in the first storage chamber 104 is transferred to the first holding chamber 101 via the fourth flow path 114 by a centrifugal force. The fourth flow path 114 may be a capillary tube or a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force.

[First Holding Chamber 101]

The first holding chamber 101 holds all the washing solution stored in the first storage chamber 104. Then, in order to cause the complex body 310 to be washed in the main chamber 107, the first holding chamber 101 transfers a part of the washing solution to the reaction chamber 106 and holds the remaining part of the washing solution. As described below, the amount of washing solution needed for one cycle of washing is weighed out by use of the first flow path 111. Therefore, the first holding chamber 101 has a capacity larger than, or equal to, that of the first flow path 111, more specifically, has a capacity larger than, or equal to, the total amount of washing solution corresponding to the number of times of washing (e.g., if the washing is to be performed twice, a capacity larger than, or equal to, twice the capacity of the first flow path 111, and if the washing is to be performed three times, a capacity larger than, or equal to, three times the capacity of the first flow path 111).

The opening 114 h of the fourth flow path 114 is provided in one inner side surface that faces an outermost side surface 103 a of the first holding chamber 101 while having the space usable to hold the liquid between the one inner side surface and the outermost side surface 101 a.

[First Flow Path 111]

As described above, the first flow path 111 connects the first holding chamber 101 and the reaction chamber 106 to each other. Therefore, in the case where the washing solution is to be introduced into the first storage chamber 104, the washing solution is once transferred to the reaction chamber 106 and then is transferred to the main chamber 107.

The first flow path 111 includes a first portion 111 q and a second portion 111 r connected with the first portion 111 q. The second portion 111 r is a capillary tube. The first portion 111 q has an opening 111 g, and is connected with the first holding chamber 101. A part of the first holding chamber 101 and a part of the first flow path 111 are generally aligned in a radial direction of a circle centered around the rotation shaft 110, with the opening 111 g being located between these parts. The second portion 111 r has a second opening 111 h, and is connected with the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106. The second opening 111 h is closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 112 g of the second flow path 112.

The first portion 111 q of the first flow path 111 includes a first region 111 qe and a second region 111 qf. In this embodiment, the first portion 111 q has a shape extending in a direction oblique with respect to the radial direction of the sample analysis substrate 100. The second region 111 qf of the first portion 111 q is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the first region 111 qe. The first region 111 qe is a capillary space, and the second region 111 qf is not a capillary space allowed to be filled with a liquid by a capillary force. For example, the second region 111 qf is thicker than the first region 111 qe. Therefore, the second region 111 qf may also be filled with the liquid, which increases the amount of washing solution to be weighed out.

The second region 111 qf is provided with the air hole 122. The second region 111 qf also acts as an air path guaranteeing the movement of the air. Specifically, since the second region 111 qf is provided, even if air bubbles are generated in the liquid held in the first region 111 eq for some reason, the air bubbles easily move to the second region 111 qf to be removed from the liquid. With such an arrangement, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, specifically, the air bubbles are suppressed from entering the second portion 111 r. Thus, the movement of the liquid is suppressed from being disturbed.

As described below in detail, in the case where the rotation angle of the sample analysis substrate 100 is changed to an angle at which the washing solution contacts an opening 116 g in the state where the washing solution is held in the first holding chamber 101, the first flow path 111 is filled with the washing solution by a capillary action except for the second region 116 qf. In this state, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated at a rotation rate that provides a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force applied to the washing solution in the first flow path 111. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3G, the washing solution is divided, along a straight line db connecting the rotation shaft 110 and position z on a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft 110, into a washing solution to be transferred to the first holding chamber 101 and a washing solution to return to the first flow path 111. As shown in FIG. 3G, the reference position z is defined by the border between two side surfaces s1 and s2. The side surfaces s1 and s2 are respectively located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the space of the first holding chamber 101 and the space of the first flow path 111. More specifically, the side surface s1 is inclined toward the first holding chamber 101, and the side surface s2 is inclined toward the second holding chamber, from a tangential direction dt of an arc ar centered around the rotation shaft 110. As a result of the division, the amount of washing solution needed for one cycle of washing is weighed out and is transferred to the main chamber 107. The washing solution transferred to the main chamber 107 is transferred to the recovery chamber 108 via the third flow path 113 as described above.

[Second Storage Chamber 105]

FIG. 3H will be referred to. The second storage chamber 105 stores the substrate solution at the start of the analysis performed by use of the sample analysis system. There is no specific limitation on the shape of the second storage chamber 105, and the second storage chamber 105 may have any shape.

[Fifth Flow Path 115]

The fifth flow path 115 connects the second storage chamber 105 and the second holding chamber 102 to each other. The fifth flow path 115 extends in, for example, the radial direction of the circle centered around the rotation shaft 110, and is a capillary tube. The fifth flow path 115 has an opening 115 g and an opening 115 h. It is preferred that the opening 115 g is provided in an outermost side surface 105 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 among side surfaces of the second storage chamber 105 or in an adjacent side surface among the side surfaces of the second storage chamber 105 that is adjacent to the outermost side surface 105 a, more specifically, at a position in such an adjacent side surface that is close to the outermost side surface 105 a. In this embodiment, the opening 115 g is provided in the outermost side surface 105 a. The opening 115 h is connected with the second holding chamber 102.

[Second Holding Chamber 102]

The second holding chamber 102 stores the substrate solution transferred from the second storage chamber 105 during the B/F separation including the washing after the start of the analysis performed by use of the sample analysis system. The second holding chamber 102 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the second storage chamber 105. The second holding chamber 102 has a first outer side surface 102 a 1 and a second outer side surface 102 a 2, and a first inner side surface 102 b 1 and a second inner side surface 102 b 2 enclosing the space usable to hold the substrate solution. The first outer side surface 102 a 1 and the second outer side surface 102 a 2 do not overlap each other in the radial direction, and the first outer side surface 102 a 1 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the second outer side surface 102 a 2. The first inner side surface 102 b 1 and the second inner side surface 102 b 2 do not overlap each other in the radial direction, and the first inner side surface 102 b 1 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the second inner side surface 102 b 2.

The second holding chamber 102 further has an adjacent side surface 102 c adjacent to the first outer side surface 102 a 1 and the first inner side surface 102 b 1, and an adjacent side surface 102 d adjacent to the second outer side surface 102 a 2 and the second inner side surface 102 b 2. The space of the second holding chamber 102 has a shape extending in a circumferential direction while being sandwiched between the adjacent side surface 102 c and the adjacent side surface 102 d.

As described below, in this embodiment, an opening 116 g of the sixth flow path 116 is provided in the first inner side surface 102 b 1. The opening 116 g of the sixth flow path 116 described below in detail is located adjacent to a connection position in the adjacent side surface 102 d connected with the second inner side surface 102 b 2. Namely, the sixth flow path 116 is located at a position in the adjacent side surface 102 d that is close to the rotation shaft 110. With such a structure, a majority part of the space of the second holding chamber 102 is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than an opening 116 h of the sixth flow path 116. Therefore, regardless of the rotation angle at which the sample analysis substrate 100 is held, the substrate solution held in the second holding chamber 102 may be suppressed from being transferred to the third holding chamber 103 via the sixth flow path 116.

The first outer side surface 102 a 1 is located far from the rotation shaft 110, and the space of the second holding chamber 102 includes a protruding portion 102 t contacting the first outer side surface 102 a 1 and protruding outward. Therefore, the substrate solution is held in the protruding portion 102 t of the space of the second holding chamber 102. Thus, the liquid surface of the substrate solution held in the second holding chamber 102 is separated from the opening 111 g of the sixth flow path 116, and the substrate solution may be suppressed with more certainty from being transferred to the third holding chamber 103 via the sixth flow path 116.

[Sixth Flow Path 116]

The sixth flow path 116 connects the second holding chamber 102 and the third holding chamber 103 to each other. The sixth flow path 116 has the opening 116 g and the opening 116 h. The opening 116 g is provided in the adjacent side surface 102 d of the second holding chamber 102. The opening 116 h is provided in one of side surfaces of the third holding chamber 103. The sixth flow path 116 is a flow path in which a liquid is movable by a gravitational force.

[Third Holding Chamber 103]

The third holding chamber 103 holds the substrate solution transferred from the second holding chamber 102 via the sixth flow path 116. The third holding chamber 103 includes a first portion 103 q adjacent to the second holding chamber 102 in the circumferential direction and a second portion 103 r adjacent to the seventh flow path 117 in the circumferential direction. The first portion 103 q and the second portion 103 r are aligned in the radial direction. The third holding chamber 103 is close to the adjacent side surface 101 d of the second holding chamber 102.

The third holding chamber 103 has an outermost side surface 103 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 and a second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 adjacent to the outermost side surface 103 a. The third holding chamber 103 has an innermost side surface 103 b closest to the rotation shaft 110 and a first adjacent side surface 103 c 1 adjacent to the innermost side surface 103 b. The first adjacent side surface 103 c 1 and the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 are located on the same side with respect to the space of the third holding chamber 103, namely, are located to face the second holding chamber 102 and the seventh flow path 117. A recessed portion 103 s is formed between the first adjacent side surface 103 c 1 and the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2, and the recessed portion 103 s separates the first adjacent side surface 103 c 1 and the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 from each other.

The first portion 103 q of the third holding chamber 103 has the innermost side surface 103 b and the first adjacent side surface 103 c 1, and the second portion 103 r has the outermost side surface 103 a and the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2.

The opening 116 h of the sixth flow path 116 is provided in the first portion 103 q of the third holding chamber 103, more specifically, at a position in the first adjacent side surface 103 c 1 that is close to the innermost side surface 103 b.

An opening 117 g of the seventh flow path 117 is provided in the second portion 103 r, more specifically, at a position in the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 that is away from the outermost side surface 103 a, still more specifically, at a position in the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 that is closest to the rotation shaft 110. As described below, in the case where the seventh flow path 117 is a capillary tube, the second portion 103 r may include a capillary space 103 re connecting the outermost side surface 103 a with a portion, of the seventh flow path 117, in which the opening 117 g is located. In this case, it is preferred that the capillary space 103 re is located along the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2.

[Seventh Flow Path 117]

The seventh flow path 117 includes a first portion 117 q and a second portion 117 r, and has the opening 117 g and an opening 117 h. One of two ends of the first portion 117 q and one of two ends of the second portion 117 r are connected to each other. The opening 117 g is located at the other end of the first portion 117 q, and is connected with the second adjacent side surface 103 c 2 of the third holding chamber 103 as described above. The opening 117 h is located at the other end of the second portion 117 r, and is connected with the main chamber 107. The second portion 117 r is a capillary tube.

The first portion 117 q includes a first region 117 qe and a second region 117 qf. In this embodiment, the first portion 117 q has a shape extending in the circumferential direction. The second region 117 qf is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the first region 117 qe. The first region 117 qe is a capillary tube, and the second region 117 qf is not a capillary space allowed to be filled with a liquid by a capillary action. For example, the second region 117 qf is thicker than the first region 117 qe. When the first region 117 qe is filled with a liquid by a capillary action, the second region 117 qf is not filled with a liquid. The second region 117 qf is provided with the air hole 122. It is preferred that the first region 117 qe is thinner than the capillary space 103 re of the third holding chamber 103. With such an arrangement, the substrate solution held in the capillary space 103 re of the third holding chamber 103 may be absorbed into the seventh flow path 117.

The opening 117 g is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the opening 117 h. In order to transfer substantially all the liquid in the seventh flow path 117 to the third holding chamber 103, it is preferred that various portions of the seventh flow path 117 are located as far as the opening 117 g from the rotation shaft 110 or are located farther from rotation shaft 110 than the opening 117 g. With such an arrangement, when the substrate solution filling the seventh flow path 117 is subjected to a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force applied to the substrate solution in the seventh flow path 117, all the substrate solution in the seventh flow path 117 is transferred to the main chamber 107.

The total capacity of the first region 117 qe of the first portion 117 q and the second region 117 r corresponds to the amount of substrate solution to be used for the analysis. The first region 117 qe and the second region 117 r are filled with the substrate solution by a capillary force, and thus the substrate solution is weighed out.

Like in the case of the first flow path 111, the second region 117 qf of the first portion 117 q acts as an air path. When air bubbles are generated in the substrate solution held in the first region 117 qe of the first portion 117 q for some reason, the air bubbles easily move to the second region 117 qf to be removed from the liquid. With such an arrangement, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, specifically, the air bubbles are suppressed from entering the second portion 117 r. Thus, the movement of the substrate solution may be suppressed from being disturbed.

In the above example, the first region 117 qe of the first portion 117 q and the second portion 117 r in the seventh flow path 117 are respectively a capillary space and a capillary tube. Alternatively, these spaces may be a space and a flow path in which a liquid is movable by a gravitational force.

(Operation of the Sample Analysis System 501)

An operation of the sample analysis system 501 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the sample analysis system 501. A program defining a procedure that controls each of parts of the sample analysis system 501 in order to operate the sample analysis system 501 is stored on, for example, a memory of the control circuit 205. The program is executed by an operator to realize the following operation. Before the steps described below, the sample analysis substrate 100 is mounted on the sample analysis device 200 to detect the origin of the sample analysis substrate 100. The dried agent 125 containing the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 is held in advance in the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106. In the following procedure, the sample analysis substrate is, for example, always rotated clockwise. It should be noted that the rotation direction of the sample analysis substrate is not limited to clockwise and may be counterclockwise.

[Step S11]

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the washing solution and the substrate solution are respectively introduced into the first storage chamber 104 and the second storage chamber 105. The substrate solution contains a substrate substance that causes light emission, fluorescence or change of the absorption wavelength by a reaction with the labeling substance 307 or a catalyst action provided by the labeling substance 307. A specimen solution is introduced into the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106. The specimen may be injected into the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106 by use of a syringe or the like.

When being introduced into the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106, the specimen solution fills the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, of the first portion 106 q and the second region 106 qe, which is a capillary space, of the first portion 106 q. The second region 106 qe is connected with the second region 106 re, which is a capillary space, of the second portion 106 r. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the specimen solution is absorbed into these capillary spaces by a capillary force. As a result, the specimen solution located in the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q is moved to the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r.

As a result, the specimen solution contacts the dried agent 125, and thus the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 30 is released into the specimen solution and the labeled antibody 308 is eluted into the specimen solution. In the specimen solution, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305, the antigen 306 in the specimen, and the labeled antibody 308 are bound to each other by an antigen-antibody reaction to generate the complex body 310. In order cause the release of the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 30 and the elution of the labeled antibody 308 into the specimen solution to be promoted, the sample analysis substrate 100 may be swung. At this point, the fifth flow path 115, the fourth flow path 114 and the second flow path 112 have been filled respectively with the substrate solution, the washing solution and the reaction solution containing the complex 310 by a capillary action.

[Step S12]

After the complex body 310 is generated, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated to move the reaction solution containing the complex body 310 to the main chamber 107 from the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106. As described above, the second flow path 112 has been filled with the reaction solution by the capillary action. Therefore, when the reaction solution containing the complex body 310 in the reaction chamber 106 is subjected to a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force applied to the reaction solution in the second flow path 112 by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100, the reaction solution is transferred to the main chamber 107. The reaction solution transferred to the main chamber 107 is not transferred to the recovery chamber 108 as long as the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating. A reason for this is that since the third flow path 113 has a siphon structure as described above, the liquid does not move in the third flow path 113 toward the rotation shaft 110 against the centrifugal force. In the reaction solution containing the complex body 310 transferred to the main chamber 107, most of the magnetic particles 311 are captured by the outermost side surface 107 a by the magnetic force of the magnet 121.

The rotation rate of the sample analysis substrate 100 is set to a level at which a centrifugal force provided by the rotation prevents the liquid such as the reaction solution or the like from moving by a gravitational force and at which the liquid is subjected to a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force of each of the capillary tubes. In later steps, such a rotation rate is set for the rotation, a centrifugal force provided by which is to be used. In this embodiment, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated to provide such a centrifugal force, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated clockwise.

At the same time as the movement of the reaction solution, the washing solution is transferred from the first storage chamber 104 to the first holding chamber 101 via the fourth flow path 114. The substrate solution is transferred from the second storage chamber 105 to the second holding chamber 102 via the fifth flow path 115.

After the washing solution, the substrate solution and the reaction solution are all transferred respectively to the first holding chamber 101, the second holding chamber 102 and the main chamber 107, the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a predetermined first angle. As shown in FIG. 7, the predetermined first angle is an angle at which, in the sample analysis substrate 100, the washing solution transferred to the first holding chamber 101 does not contact the first portion 111 g beyond the opening 111 g of the first flow path 111, the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 does not contact the opening 116 g of the sixth flow path 116, and the reaction solution in the main chamber 107 may contact the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113. This angle depends on the shapes and the positions in the substrate 100′ of the second holding chamber 102, the main chamber 107 and the first holding chamber 101, the amounts of the washing solution, the substrate solution and the reaction solution, the inclination angle θ of the sample analysis substrate 100, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is sufficient that the direction of gravity (represented by the arrow) in the sample analysis system 501 projected on a plane parallel to the sample analysis substrate 100 is in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ1.

The reaction solution in the main chamber 107 contacts the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113 to fill the third flow path 113 by a capillary action.

[Step S13]

The sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. Along with the rotation, a centrifugal force is generated and acts on the reaction solution and the magnetic particles 311 (complex body 310 and the unreacted magnetic particles) in the main chamber 107. This centrifugal force acts to cause the liquid and the complex body 310 to move toward the outermost side surface 107 a of the main chamber 107. Therefore, the magnetic particles 311 are pressed onto the outermost side surface 107 a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reaction solution receiving the centrifugal force is discharged from the third flow path 113 and transferred to the recovery chamber 108. The magnetic particles 311 are strongly pressed onto the outermost side surface 107 a by the sum of the centrifugal force and an absorbing force of the magnet 121 and are captured.

As a result, only the reaction solution is discharged from the third flow path 113 to the recovery chamber 108, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. The washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 receives the centrifugal force by the rotation but is pressed onto the outermost side surface 101 a of the first holding chamber 101 and thus stays in the first holding chamber 101. The substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 also receives the centrifugal force by the rotation but is pressed onto the first outer side surface 102 a 1 and thus stays in the second holding chamber 102.

After the transfer of the reaction solution to the recovery chamber 108 and the transfer of the substrate solution to the main chamber 107 are finished, the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped.

In this manner, the reaction solution and the magnetic particles 311 are separated from each other. Specifically, the reaction solution moves to the recovery chamber 108, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. Even after the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped, the magnetic particles 311 may be kept in the state of gathering at the outermost side surface 107 a by an absorbing force received from the magnet 121. The angle at which the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped may be the first angle, a second angle described regarding the next step or any other angle.

[Step S14]

As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of not being stopped at the second angle in the previous step, the sample analysis substrate 100 is slightly rotated and stopped at the second angle, which is predetermined. The second angle is an angle at which the washing solution transferred to the first holding chamber 101 contacts the opening 11 g of the first flow path 111. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the second angle is an angle at which the direction of gravity is located in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ2.

The washing solution, when contacting the first portion 111 q of the first flow path 111 via the opening 111 g, is absorbed into the entirety of the first region 111 qe of the first portion 111 q by a capillary force, and the first portion 111 q and the second portion 111 r of the first flow path 111 are filled with the washing solution. The second region 111 qf is also filled with the washing solution moved by a gravitational force. Thus, the amount of washing solution needed for one cycle of washing is weighed out.

In order to cause the first flow path 111 to be filled with the washing solution with certainty, the sample analysis substrate 100 may be rotated several times clockwise and counterclockwise alternately, namely, may be swung, as being centered around the second angle. At this point, the washing solution does not move from the second portion 111 r of the first flow path 111 to the main chamber 107 because the capillary force acts on the first flow path 111.

[Step S15]

Next, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. A centrifugal force provided by the rotation acts on the washing solution in the first flow path 111 and the first holding chamber 101. As described above with reference to FIG. 3F, the washing solution that is located on the side of the first flow path 111 with respect to the straight line db moves to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106 via the first flow path 111. The washing solution that is located on the side of the first holding chamber 101 with respect to the straight line db is returned to the first holding chamber 101 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, only the washing solution weighed out by use of the first flow path 111 is transferred to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106.

In the second holding chamber 102, the substrate solution is pressed onto the first outer side surface 102 a 1 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, the substrate solution stays in the second holding chamber 102. Similarly, the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 is also pressed onto the outermost side surface 101 a of the first holding chamber 101 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, the washing solution stays in the first holding chamber 101.

As shown in FIG. 11, after all the washing solution in the first flow path 111 moves to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106, the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a predetermined third angle. The third angle is an angle at which the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 does not contact the opening 111 g. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, it is sufficient that the direction of gravity in the sample analysis system 501 projected on a plane parallel to the sample analysis substrate 100 is in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ3.

When the washing solution that has been weighed out is introduced into the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106, the washing solution fills the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, of the first portion 106 q and the second region 106 qe, which is a capillary space, of the first portion 106 q. The second region 106 qe is connected with the second region 106 re, which is a capillary space, of the second portion 106 r. Therefore, the washing solution is absorbed into these capillary spaces by a capillary force. As a result, the washing solution located in the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q moves to the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r. Therefore, the reaction solution remaining in the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 is mixed with the washing solution. Namely, the reaction chamber 106 is washed with the washing solution.

The washing solution in the reaction chamber 106 contacts the opening 112 g of the second flow path 112 to fill the second flow path 112 by a capillary action.

[Step S16]

The sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated to move the washing solution from the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 to the main chamber 107. The second flow path 112 has been filled with the washing solution. Therefore, when the washing solution in the second flow path 112 is subjected to a centrifugal force, provided by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100, that is stronger than the capillary force, the washing solution is transferred to the main chamber 107. As a result, the reaction solution remaining in the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 is transferred to the main chamber 107 together with the washing solution. The magnetic particles 311 in the main chamber 107 contact the washing solution to perform a first cycle of washing.

The reaction solution transferred to the main chamber 107 is not transferred to the recovery chamber 108 as long as the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating. A reason for this is that since the third flow path 113 has a siphon structure, the washing solution does not move in the third flow path 113 toward the rotation shaft 110 against the centrifugal force. The washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 and the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 stay in the respective chambers.

As shown in FIG. 12, after the washing solution in the reaction chamber 106 is all moved to the main chamber 107, the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a predetermined fourth angle. The fourth angle is an angle at which the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 does not contact the opening 111 g and the washing solution transferred to the main chamber 107 may contact the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, it is sufficient that the direction of gravity in the sample analysis system 501 projected on a plane parallel to the sample analysis substrate 100 is in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ4.

The washing solution in the main chamber 107 contacts the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113 to fill the third flow path 113 by a capillary action.

[Step S17]

The sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. Along with the rotation, a centrifugal force is generated and acts on the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 in the main chamber 107. This centrifugal force acts to cause the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 to move toward the outermost side surface 107 a of the main chamber 107. The magnetic particles 311 are captured at the outermost side surface 107 a by the centrifugal force and an absorbing force of the magnet 121.

As shown in FIG. 13, the washing solution receiving the centrifugal force is discharged from the third flow path 113 and transferred to the recovery chamber 108. In this manner, only the washing is discharged from the third flow path 113, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. The washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 and the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 are respectively pressed onto the outermost side surface 101 a and the first outer side surface 102 a 1 and thus stay in the first holding chamber 101 and the second holding chamber 102.

After the transfer of the washing solution to the recovery chamber 108 is finished, the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped. As a result, the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 are separated from each other. Specifically, the washing solution moves to the recovery chamber 108, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. Even after the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped, the magnetic particles 311 may be kept in the state of gathering at the outermost side surface 107 a by an absorbing force received from the magnet 121. The angle at which the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped may be the fourth angle or a fifth angle described regarding the next step.

[Step S18]

As shown in FIG. 14, in the case of not being stopped at the fifth angle in the previous step, the sample analysis substrate 100 is slightly rotated and stopped at the fifth angle, which is predetermined. The fifth angle is an angle at which the washing solution transferred to the first holding chamber 101 contacts the opening 11 g of the first flow path 111. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the fifth angle is an angle at which the direction of gravity is located in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ5. Since the amount of washing solution left in the first holding chamber 101 is different from that in step S4, the angle range δ5 may be different from the angle range 2.

The washing solution is absorbed into the first flow path 111 from the first holding chamber 101 by a capillary force of the first portion 111 q of the first flow path 111, and the first portion 111 q and the second portion 111 r of the first flow path 111 are filled with the washing solution. Thus, the amount of washing solution needed for one cycle of washing is weighed out again.

In order to cause the first flow path 111 to be filled with the washing solution with certainty, the sample analysis substrate 100 may be swung as being centered around the fifth angle. At this point, the washing solution does not move from the first flow path 111 to the reaction chamber 106 because a capillary force acts on the first flow path 111.

[Step S19]

Next, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. A centrifugal force provided by the rotation acts on the washing solution in the first flow path 111 and the first holding chamber 101. Like in the first cycle of washing, the washing solution that is located on the side of the first flow path 111 with respect to the straight line db in FIG. 3F moves to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106 via the first flow path 111. The washing solution that is located on the side of the first holding chamber 101 with respect to the straight line db is returned to the first holding chamber 101 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, only the washing solution weighed out by use of the first flow path 111 is transferred to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106.

The substrate solution is pressed onto the first outer side surface 102 a 1 of the second holding chamber 102 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, the substrate solution stays in the second holding chamber 102. Similarly, the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 is pressed onto the outermost side surface 101 a of the first holding chamber 101 by the centrifugal force. Therefore, the washing solution stays in the first holding chamber 101.

As shown in FIG. 16, after the washing solution in the first flow path 111 is all transferred to the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106, the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a predetermined sixth angle. The sixth angle is an angle at which the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 does not contact the opening 111 g. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, it is sufficient that the direction of gravity in the sample analysis system 501 projected on a plane parallel to the sample analysis substrate 100 is in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ6.

Like in the first cycle of washing, when the washing solution that has been weighed out is introduced into the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106, the washing solution fills the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, of the first portion 106 q and the second region 106 qe, which is a capillary space, of the first portion 106 q. The second region 106 qe is connected with the second region 106 re, which is a capillary space, of the second portion 106 r. Therefore, the washing solution is absorbed into these capillary spaces by a capillary force. As a result, the washing solution located in the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q moves to the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r. Therefore, the reaction solution that may possibly be remaining in the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 is mixed with the washing solution. Namely, the reaction chamber 106 is washed again with the washing solution.

The washing solution in the reaction chamber 106 contacts the opening 112 g of the second flow path 112 to fill the second flow path 112 by a capillary action.

[Step S20]

Like in the first cycle of washing, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated to move the washing solution from the second region 106 re of the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 to the main chamber 107. The second flow path 112 has been filled with the washing solution. Therefore, when the washing solution in the second flow path 112 is subjected to a centrifugal force, provided by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100, that is stronger than the capillary force, the washing solution is transferred to the main chamber 107. As a result, the reaction solution that may possibly be remaining in the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106 is transferred to the main chamber 107 together with the washing solution. In addition, the magnetic particles 311 in the main chamber 107 contacts the washing solution to perform a second cycle of washing.

The reaction solution transferred to the main chamber 107 is not transferred to the recovery chamber 108 as long as the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating, as described above. The washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 and the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 stay in the respective chambers.

As shown in FIG. 17, after all the washing solution in the reaction chamber 106 moves to the main chamber 107, the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a predetermined seventh angle. The seventh angle is an angle at which the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 does not contact the opening 111 g and the washing solution transferred to the main chamber 107 may contact the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, it is sufficient that the direction of gravity in the sample analysis system 501 projected on a plane parallel to the sample analysis substrate 100 is in the angle range of the sample analysis substrate 100 represented by δ7.

The washing solution in the main chamber 107 contacts the opening 113 g of the third flow path 113 to fill the third flow path 113 by a capillary action.

[Step S21]

The sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. Along with the rotation, a centrifugal force is generated and acts on the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 in the main chamber 107. This centrifugal force acts to cause the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 to move toward the outermost side surface 107 a of the main chamber 107. The magnetic particles 311 are captured at the outermost side surface 107 a by the centrifugal force and an absorbing force of the magnet 121.

The washing solution receiving the centrifugal force is discharged from the third flow path 113 and transferred to the recovery chamber 108. In this manner, only the washing solution is discharged from the third flow path 113, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. The washing solution in the first holding chamber 101 is pressed onto the outermost side surface 103 a and thus stays in the first holding chamber 101. The substrate solution is also pressed onto the first outer side surface 102 a 1 and thus stays in the second holding chamber 102.

After the transfer of the washing solution to the recovery chamber 108 is finished, the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the washing solution and the magnetic particles 311 are separated from each other. Specifically, the washing solution moves to the recovery chamber 108, whereas the magnetic particles 311 stay in the main chamber 107. Even after the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped, the magnetic particles 311 may be kept in the state of gathering at the outermost side surface 107 a by an absorbing force received from the magnet 121. The angle at which the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped may be the seventh angle or an eighth angle described regarding the next step. A B/F separation and washing step is thus finished.

[Step S22]

The substrate solution is first moved from the second holding chamber 102 to the third holding chamber 103. As shown in FIG. 19, in the case of not being stopped at the eighth angle in the previous step, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated and stopped at the eighth angle, which is predetermined. In this case, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated clockwise. The eighth angle is an angle at which the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 contacts the opening 116 g of the sixth flow path 116 and all the substrate solution may move to the third holding chamber 103 by a gravitational force. The eighth angle is an angle at which the sixth flow path 116 is located generally in the direction of gravity. As a result, the substrate solution in the second holding chamber 102 is transferred to the third holding chamber 103.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated clockwise and is stopped at a predetermined ninth angle, at which the substrate solution in the third holding chamber 103 contacts the capillary space 103 re of the second portion 103 r. As a result of the capillary space 103 re contacting the substrate solution, the substrate solution is absorbed into the capillary space 103 re. As shown in FIG. 21, the substrate solution filling the capillary space 103 re is absorbed into the seventh flow path 117 via the opening 117 g by a capillary force, and the first region 117 qe of the first portion 117 q and the second portion 117 r of the seventh flow path 117 are filled with the substrate solution. Thus, the substrate solution is weighed out.

In order to cause the seventh flow path 117 to be filled with the substrate solution with certainty, the sample analysis substrate 100 may be rotated several times clockwise and counterclockwise alternately, namely, may be swung, as being centered around the ninth angle. At this point, the washing solution does not move from the second portion 112 r of the seventh flow path 117 to the main chamber 107 because a capillary force acts on the seventh flow path 117.

[Step S23]

Next, the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated. A centrifugal force provided by the rotation acts on the washing solution in the seventh flow path 117 and the first holding chamber 101. The substrate solution in the seventh flow path 117 moves to the main chamber 107 by the centrifugal force. The substrate solution that is located on the side of the third holding chamber 103 with respect to the opening 112 g is pressed onto the outermost side surface 102 a of the third holding chamber 103 by the centrifugal force and thus stays in the third holding chamber 103.

The substrate solution moved to the main chamber 107 contains a substrate substance. As a result of the substrate substance reacting with the labeling substance 307 contained in the labeled antibody 308 in the magnetic particles 311 held in the main chamber 107, or as a result of a catalyst reaction of the labeling substance 307, light emission, fluorescence or change in the absorption wavelength occurs.

After the transfer of the substrate solution to the main chamber 107 is finished, the rotation of the sample analysis substrate 100 is stopped at a tenth angle as shown in FIG. 22. The tenth angle is an angle at which the main chamber 107 is located at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical measurement unit 207 such that the light receiving element of the optical measurement unit 207 is, for example, close to the main chamber 107 so as to detect the light emission, fluorescence or change in the absorption wavelength of the substrate substance in main chamber 107.

[Step 24]

The optical measurement unit 207 performs optical measurement on a liquid held in the main chamber 107. Specifically, the optical measurement unit 207 detects a signal such as the colorant, light emission, fluorescence or the like of the substrate substance in accordance with the labeling substance 307 of the labeled antibody 308 bound to the complex body 310 contained in the magnetic particles 311. Thus, the detection of the antigen 306, the quantization of the concentration of the antigen 306, or the like may be performed.

The optical measurement by the optical measurement unit 207 may be performed in the state where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating. In this case, in step S21, after the transfer of the substrate solution to the main chamber 107 is finished, a signal such as the colorant, light emission, fluorescence or the like of the substrate substance may be detected in the state where the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotating.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first holding chamber 101 holding the washing solution is connected with the reaction chamber 106 via the first flow path 111. The washing solution weighed out by use of the first flow path 111 is transferred to the main chamber 107, which holds the complex 310 to be washed, via the reaction chamber 106. Therefore, even in the case where the reaction solution remains in the reaction chamber 106, the reaction chamber 106 is washable by the washing solution. The remaining reaction solution is transferred to the chamber holding the complex body 310 and reacted with the substrate solution. Thus, a measurement error of the specimen may be suppressed. Therefore, highly precise specimen analysis may be performed.

According to this embodiment, the first holding chamber 101 holding the substrate solution during the B/F separation and washing step has a space of a shape extending in the circumferential direction. In addition, the first holding chamber 101 has the opening of the sixth flow path 116 provided in one of two adjacent side surfaces thereof adjacent to the outermost side surface. The one adjacent side surface having the opening faces the adjacent side surface close to the reaction chamber 106, the first holding chamber 101 holding the washing solution and the main chamber 107, and is located farther from these chambers. More specifically, the opening is provided at a position in the one adjacent side surface that is close to the rotation shaft 110. Therefore, regardless of the angle at which the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, the substrate solution does not easily contact the opening 111 g of the sixth flow path 116 and may be suppressed from being transferred to the third holding chamber 103.

(Other Embodiments of the Sample Analysis Substrate 100)

The sample analysis substrate 100 in the above-described embodiment may be modified in various manners.

[Other Examples of the Reaction Chamber 106]

In the above-described embodiment, the reaction chamber 106 includes the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r. The reaction chamber 106 does not need to include the first portion 106 q.

In a sample analysis substrate 151 shown in FIG. 23A, a reaction chamber 106′ includes only a second region 106 re′ of the second portion. The second portion 111 r of the first flow path 111 faces the outermost side surface 106 ra of the reaction chamber 106′ and is connected with an innermost side surface 106 rb closest to the rotation shaft 110. The second region 106 re′ holds the dried agent 125. The second region 106 re′ may be a capillary space or a non-capillary space. The dried agent 125 does not need to be held in the second region 106 re′. In this case, the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeling substance 307 may be introduced into the reaction chamber 106′ together with the specimen solution, or may be transferred from another chamber.

Even in the case where the reaction chamber 106′ having such a structure is provided, the washing solution is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the reaction chamber 106′. Therefore, the effect of washing the reaction chamber 106′ with the washing solution may be provided. With this structure, step S16 and step S20, among the above-described operations of the sample analysis system 501, may be omitted. The second flow path 112 may be a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a capillary force or a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force.

In a sample analysis substrate 152 shown in FIG. 23B, a reaction chamber 106″ includes a first region 106 rf′ and a second region 106 re′ of the second portion, but does not include the first portion. The first region 106 rf′ is a non-capillary space, and the second region 106 re′ is a capillary space. In the example shown in FIG. 23B, the dried agent 125 is located in the second region 106 re′. Alternatively, the dried agent 125 does not need to be provided.

Even in the case where the reaction chamber 106″ having such a structure is provided, the washing solution is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the reaction chamber 106″. Therefore, the effect of washing the reaction chamber 106″ with the washing solution may be provided. With this structure, step S16 and step S20, among the above-described operations of the sample analysis system 501, may be omitted. The second flow path 112 may be a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a capillary force or a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force.

[Other Examples of the First Flow Path 111]

In the above-described embodiment, the first flow path 111 has a capillary space usable to weigh out the washing solution. The first flow path 111 does not need to have a function of weighing out a liquid.

In a sample analysis substrate 153 shown in FIG. 24A, a first flow path 211 is a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force, unlike in the sample analysis substrate 100.

In the case where the flow path 211 does not have a function of weighing out, the rotation angle of the sample analysis substrate 153 may be controlled to control the amount of washing solution to flow from the first holding chamber 101 to the first flow path 211, so that the washing solution may be transferred as being divided into a plurality of portions.

The first holding chamber 101 has the outermost side surface 101 a farthest from the rotation shaft 110 and an adjacent side surface 101 c adjacent to the outermost side surface 101 a. The outermost side surface 101 a and the adjacent side surface 101 c define a recessed space having an opening opened toward the rotation shaft 110. The first flow path 211 is a flow path in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force, and has an opening 211 g and an opening 211 h. The opening 211 g is located at a position, in the adjacent side surface 101 c, that is closer to the rotation shaft 110. The opening 211 h of the first flow path 211 is connected with the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q of the reaction chamber 106.

As described above, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 153 is held at an angle at which the washing solution held in the first holding chamber 101 contacts the opening 211 g, the washing solution starts flowing into the first flow path 211 by a gravitational force, and the movement of the washing solution causes the surface of the washing solution to retract. The washing solution is transferred to a position matching the opening 211 g. Therefore, the sample analysis substrate 153 is held at different angles, so that the washing solution may be transferred to the reaction chamber 106 a plurality of times.

A sample analysis substrate 154 shown in FIG. 24B and a sample analysis substrate 155 shown in FIG. 24C are further modifications of the sample analysis substrate 153. Unlike the sample analysis substrate 153, the sample analysis substrate 154 and the sample analysis substrate 155 respectively include the reaction chamber 106′ shown in FIG. 23A and the reaction chamber 106″ shown in FIG. 23B. Even with such a sample analysis substrate, the above-described effect of washing the reaction chamber may be provided.

The first flow path may be of a type in which a liquid is transferable by a capillary force. Sample analysis substrates 156, 157 and 158 shown in FIG. 25A through FIG. 25C each include a first flow path 211′, in which a liquid is transferable by a capillary force, instead of the first flow path 211 included in each of the sample analysis substrates 153, 154 and 155 shown in FIG. 24A through FIG. 24C. In this case, it is preferred that the first flow path 211′ has a siphon structure. With the siphon structure, in the case where the reaction solution held in the reaction chamber is to be transferred to the main chamber, the washing solution transferred from the first storage chamber 104 to the first holding chamber 101 is prevented from being transferred to the reaction chamber via the first flow path 211′ as it is.

With such a structure, the washing solution is transferred from the first holding chamber 101 to the reaction chamber 106, 106′ or 106″ by a centrifugal force provided by the rotation of the sample analysis substrate. Therefore, it is difficult to transfer the washing solution to the reaction chamber 106, 106′ or 106″ as being divided into a plurality of portions.

[Another Example of the First Holding Chamber and the First Flow Path]

In the above-described embodiment, the washing solution is weighed out by use of first flow path 111. Alternatively, the washing solution may be weighed out by use of the first holding chamber. A sample analysis substrate 159 shown in FIG. 26 includes a first holding chamber 133, which includes a first portion 133 q, a second portion 133 r, and a coupling portion 133 p connecting the second portion 133 r and the first portion 133 q to each other.

In this embodiment, the second portion 133 r and a part of the first portion 133 q are generally aligned in a circumferential direction of a circle centered around the rotation shaft 110. A wall portion 100 f formed of an inner surface of the substrate 100′ is located between the second portion 133 r and the first portion 133 q. The wall portion 100 f separates the second portion 133 r and the first portion 133 q from each other. The coupling portion 133 p is aligned with the wall portion 100 f of the substrate 100′ in the radial direction, and is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the wall portion 100 f. The coupling portion 133 p is not filled with a liquid by a capillary action, and causes the liquid to move between the first portion 133 q and the second portion 133 r by a gravitational force.

The second portion 133 r includes a portion 133 re located outer (in a direction away from the rotation shaft 110) to an arc ca. The arc ca is centered around the rotation shaft 110 and has, as a radius, a line segment connecting the rotation shaft 110 and a point 100 e in the wall portion 100 f that is closest to the rotation shaft. The portion 133 re is usable to weigh out a predetermined amount of washing solution needed for one cycle of washing.

The distance from the rotation shaft 110 to the opening 111 g, of the first flow path 111, provided in the second portion 133 r is longer than the distance from the rotation shaft 110 to the point 100 e, in the wall portion 100 f, that is closest to the rotation shaft 110. Therefore, the washing solution weighed out by use of the portion 133 re is transferred from the first flow path 111 to the reaction chamber 106 by a centrifugal force provided by the rotation.

The first portion 133 q of the first holding chamber 133 includes a side portion 133 qt and a bottom portion 133 qs. The side portion 133 qt is located to the side of the first storage chamber 104 on a circumferential direction of a circle centered around the rotation shaft 110. The bottom portion 133 qs is located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the first storage chamber 104. A part of the side portion 133 qt and the entirety of the bottom portion 133 qs of the first portion 133 q are located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the second portion 133 r.

Preferably, the side portion 133 qt includes a portion 133 qt′ located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the arc ca, and a portion 133 qt″ located outer to the arc ca. As described above, the portion 133 qt′ is adjacent to the first portion 133 q in the circumferential direction and is connected with the coupling portion 133 p.

It is preferred that portions of the first portion 133 q, of the first holding chamber 133, that are outer (in a direction away from the rotation shaft 110) to the arc ca, namely, the portion 133 qt″ and the bottom portion 133 qs have a total capacity larger than the total amount of the washing solution held in the first storage chamber 104.

The space of the first holding chamber 133 includes the bottom portion 133 qs. Therefore, in the state where the sample analysis substrate 159 is stopped at a predetermined angle, a part of the washing solution held in the first storage chamber 104 fills the fourth flow path 114 by a capillary action. The sample analysis substrate 159 is rotated in the state where the fourth flow path 114 is filled with the washing solution, and thus the washing solution in the first storage chamber 104 is transferred to the bottom portion 133 qs via the fourth flow path 114 by a centrifugal force provided by the rotation.

In the case where the sample analysis substrate 159 is held at a predetermined angle, a part of the washing solution transferred to the bottom portion 133 qs of the first holding chamber 133 flows into the second portion 133 r via the coupling portion 133 p by a gravitational force, and fills at least a part of the second portion 133 r. Then, when the sample analysis substrate 100 is rotated, a centrifugal force acts on the washing solution filling the second portion 133 r. As a result, an extra portion of the washing solution held in the second portion 133 r is returned to the first portion 133 q, such that the arc ca (represented by the dotted line in FIG. 26) having, as the radius, the line segment connecting the rotation shaft 110 and the point 100 e in the wall portion 100 f that is closest to the rotation shaft 110 matches the liquid surface of the washing solution in the second portion 133 r. Thus, a predetermined amount of washing liquid is weighed out. The capacity of the portion of the second portion 133 r that is located outer to the arc ca having, as the radius, the line segment connecting the rotation shaft 110 and the point 100 e in the wall portion 100 f that is closest to the rotation shaft 110 is ½ or less of the capacity of the first holding chamber 133.

In the example shown in FIG. 26, the first portion 133 q includes a part of the side portion 133 qt and the bottom portion 133 qa. It is sufficient that the first portion 133 q includes the portion outer to the arc that is centered around the rotation shaft 110 and has, as the radius, the line segment connecting the rotation shaft 110 and the point 100 e in the wall portion 100 f that is closest to the rotation shaft 110.

The certain amount of washing solution weighed out by use of the first holding chamber 133 fills the first flow path 111 by a capillary action. Then, the sample analysis substrate 169 is rotated at a rotation rate that provides a centrifugal force stronger than the capillary force applied to the liquid in the first flow path 111, and thus the washing liquid is transferred to the main chamber 107 via the first flow path 111 by a centrifugal force provided by the rotation.

The sample analysis substrate 169 shown in FIG. 26 includes the reaction chamber 106 shown in FIG. 3B or the like. Alternatively, the sample analysis substrate 169 may include the reaction chamber 106′ or 106″ shown in FIG. 23A or FIG. 23B.

[Another Example of the Chambers Holding the Washing Solution]

In the above-described embodiment, the first holding chamber 101 holds the washing solution needed for a plurality of cycles of washing. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of chambers each holding the washing solution needed for one cycle of washing.

A sample analysis substrate 170 shown in FIG. 27 includes a first storage chamber 104A, a third storage chamber 104B, a fourth flow path 114A, an eighth flow path 114B, a first holding chamber 101A, a fourth holding chamber 101B, a first flow path 111A and a tenth flow path 111B.

The first storage chamber 104A, the fourth flow path 114A, the first holding chamber 101A and the first flow path 111A hold the washing solution needed for one cycle of washing and form a channel transferring the washing solution to the reaction chamber 106. The third storage chamber 104B, the eighth flow path 114B, the fourth holding chamber 101B and the tenth flow path 111B hold the washing solution needed for one cycle of washing and form a channel transferring the washing solution to the reaction chamber 106.

The fourth flow path 114A connects the first chamber 104A and the first holding chamber 101A to each other, and the eighth flow path 114B connects the third storage chamber 104B and the fourth storage chamber 101B to each other. The first flow path 111A connects the first holding chamber 101A and the reaction chamber 106 to each other. The tenth flow path 111B connects the fourth holding chamber 101B and the reaction chamber 106 to each other.

The fourth flow path 114A and the eighth flow path 114B are capillary tubes, and each have a siphon structure. By contrast, the first flow path 111A and the tenth flow path 111B each have a structure in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force. The first holding chamber 101A and the first flow path 111A are respectively located farther from the rotation shaft 110 than the first storage chamber 104A and the third storage chamber 104B. The first flow path 111A and the tenth flow path 111B are flow paths in which a liquid is transferable by a gravitational force.

The first holding chamber 101A has an outermost side surface 101Aa and an adjacent side surface 101Ac adjacent to the outermost side surface 101Aa. A tapering surface, a curved surface or the like smoothing the angle (ridge) may be provided between the outermost side surface 101Aa and the adjacent side surface 101Ac. An opening 111Ag of the first flow path 111A is located at one of two ends of the adjacent side surface 101Ac at which the outermost side surface 101Aa is not located. The outermost side surface 101Aa and the adjacent side surface 101Ac define a recessed portion opened toward the rotation shaft 110, and the recessed portion holds the washing liquid needed for one cycle of washing.

Similarly, the fourth holding chamber 101B includes an outermost side surface 101Ba and an adjacent side surface 101Bc adjacent to the outermost side surface 101Ba. A tapering surface, a curved surface or the like smoothing the angle (ridge) may be provided between the outermost side surface 101Ba and the adjacent side surface 101Bc. An opening 111Bg of the tenth flow path 111B is located at one of two ends of the adjacent side surface 101Bc at which the outermost side surface 101Ba is not located. The outermost side surface 101Ba and the adjacent side surface 101Bc define a recessed portion opened toward the rotation shaft 110, and the recessed portion holds the washing liquid needed for one cycle of washing.

As shown in FIG. 27, two regions are separated from each other by a straight line connecting the center of the reaction chamber 106 and the rotation shaft 110. The first holding chamber 101A and the fourth holding chamber 101B are both located in the same region.

The sample analysis substrate 170 is supported such that the rotation shaft 110 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity at an angle that is larger than 0 degrees and 90 degrees or smaller, such that the recessed portion of the first chamber 101A and the recessed portion of the fourth holding chamber 101B may hold a liquid. The sample analysis substrate 170 is held at a predetermined rotation angle such that the reaction chamber 1067 is located below the first holding chamber 101A and the fourth holding chamber 101B in the direction of gravity. In this case, the adjacent side surface 101Ac of the first holding chamber 101A and the adjacent side surface 101Bc of the fourth holding chamber 101B are unparallel to each other as seen from a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 110. With such an arrangement, even if all the washing solution held in either one of the chambers is transferred to the reaction chamber 106 by a gravitational force, the other chamber may hold at least a part of the washing solution. Therefore, in the case where the rotation angle of the sample analysis substrate 170 is appropriately selected, the washing solution may be transferred to the reaction chamber 106 from the first holding chamber 101A and the fourth holding chamber 101B selectively at different timings.

In the example shown in FIG. 27, as seen from a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 110, angle α of the adjacent side surface 101Ac with respect to a straight line connecting the center of the reaction chamber 106 and the rotation shaft 110 is larger than angle β of the adjacent side surface 101Bc with respect to the straight line. Therefore, in the case where the sample analysis substrate 170 is rotated counterclockwise from a rotation angle at which the first holding chamber 101A and the fourth holding chamber 101B are located below the reaction chamber 106 in the direction of gravity (rotation angle at which P1 in FIG. 27 matches the direction of 6 o'clock), the adjacent side surface 101Ac first becomes parallel to a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity (becomes horizontal). As a result, all the washing solution in the first holding chamber 101A may be selectively transferred to the reaction chamber 106. Then, the washing solution held in the fourth holding chamber 101B may be selectively transferred to the main chamber 107.

[Other Examples of the Reaction Chamber]

In the reaction chamber 106 of the sample analysis substrate 100 described above with reference to FIG. 3C and the like, the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r respectively have a capillary space and a non-capillary space. The capillary space and the non-capillary space in the reaction chamber are not limited to having such a structure, and may be modified in various other forms.

For example, as shown in FIG. 28A, the reaction chamber may include a first portion 106 q including only the first region 106 qf and a second portion 106 r including the first region 106 rf and the second region 106 re. Namely, in the reaction chamber 106 shown in FIG. 3C and the like, the second region 106 qe of the first portion 106 q may be omitted. In this case, in the second portion 106 r, the first region 106 rf is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the second region 106 re, and the first region 106 rf is connected with the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q. The first region 106 qf and the first region 106 rf are non-capillary spaces, whereas the second region 106 re is a capillary space.

As shown in FIG. 28B, the second portion 106 r does not need to include the first region 106 rf. In this case, the second portion 106 r includes only the second region 106 re, which is a capillary space. The second region 106 re is connected with the second region 106 qe of the first portion 106 q. The second region 106 re of the first portion 106 q may include a region around the wall portion 126 and also a portion 106 s, which is located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the wall portion 126 and is connected with the second portion 106 r.

As shown in FIG. 28D, the first portion 106 q may include only the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, whereas the second portion 106 r may include only the second region 106 re, which is a capillary space. In this case, the border (connection portion) between the first portion 106 q and the second portion 106 r is located on a radius connecting the rotation shaft 110 and the point 126 p, in the wall portion 126, that is closest to the rotation shaft 110.

As shown in FIG. 28E, the reaction chamber does not need to include the first portion. In this case, the first portion 106 q includes the first region 106 qf and the second region 106 qe, and the first region 106 qf may be located closer to the rotation shaft 110 than the second region 106 qe.

(Other Examples of the Reaction Chamber 106)

An embodiment of the reaction chamber in which a liquid containing a specimen and a labeling substance may be sufficiently mixed together will be described. FIG. 29 is an isometric view showing the space of the reaction chamber 161 three-dimensionally. In FIG. 29 and also in FIG. 31, FIG. 33, FIG. 35 and FIG. 37 referred to below, the reaction chamber 161 is shown as seen from the side of the main surface 100 d of the base plate 100 a for the sake of easier understanding. As described above, the reaction chamber 161 includes the first portion 106 q and the second portion (space) 106 r. FIG. 30A through FIG. 30D respectively show cross-sections of the second portion 106 r shown in FIG. 29 taken along line A-A′, B-B′, C-C′ and D-D′.

The first portion 106 q includes the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary portion, and the second region 106 qe, which is a capillary portion. The second portion 106 r is a space extending in the circumferential direction of the sample analysis substrate 100, and has a first end 106 r 1 and a second end 106 r 2 separated from each other in the circumferential direction. The second portion 106 r also has an inlet 106 ri and an outlet 106 ro respectively located at the first end 106 r 1 and the second end 106 r 2.

The second portion 106 r includes a capillary portion 136 re and a non-capillary portion 136 rf. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the non-capillary portion 136 rf includes a first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 and a second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2.

The capillary portion 136 re is entirely filled with a solution containing a specimen and thus may measure the solution containing the specimen. The dried agent 125 is located in the capillary portion 136 re. As described above, the dried agent 125 contains the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 305 and the labeled antibody 308 both in a dried state. The capillary portion 136 re is connected with the second region 106 qe of the first portion 106 q at the first end 106 r 1.

The first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 is located at the second end 106 r 2 and extends in the radial direction. The first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 is connected with the capillary portion 136 re. In this embodiment, the border between the capillary portion 135 re and the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 extends in the radial direction. The outlet 106 ro is located at an outer end of the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, and is connected with the second flow path 112. The opening 123 is provided in the vicinity of an inner end of the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Therefore, the pressure in the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 is the atmospheric pressure.

The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is located inner to the capillary portion 136 re and extends in the circumferential direction. The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Since the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, the pressure in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is also the atmospheric pressure.

As shown in FIG. 30A through FIG. 30D, the space of the reaction chamber 161 is defined in a thickness direction of the sample analysis substrate 100 by a bottom surface 106 d, which is one surface of the cover plate 100 b, and a top surface 106 u corresponding to the ceiling of the space formed in the base plate 100 a. In the capillary portion 136 re, the height (interval) between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is set to be small, such that a capillary force acts. The height of the capillary portion 136 re is, for example, 50 μm to 300 μm.

By contrast, in the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 and the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, the height (interval) between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is set to be large, such that a capillary force does not substantially act. The height of each of the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 and the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is, for example, 500 μm to 3 mm.

In the circumferential direction, the capillary portion 136 re includes a portion in which the height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is smaller than in the other portion. In this embodiment, the capillary portion 136 re includes a recessed portion 136 t close to the second end. In the recessed portion 136 t, the top surface 106 u protrudes into the space of the capillary portion 136 re to narrow the space. The height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is smaller in the recessed portion 136 t than in the other portion.

In the sample analysis substrate 100 including the reaction chamber 161 described above, the reaction chamber 161 includes the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, and the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 is connected with the second flow path 112. Therefore, in the case where a liquid containing a specimen is introduced into the reaction chamber 161, a capillary force acts on the liquid, and the entirety of the capillary portion 136 re is filled with the liquid. At this point, no capillary force acts on the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Therefore, the liquid filling the capillary portion 136 re does not move to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, and thus the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 is filled with the air. Therefore, the second flow path 112 is also filled with the air.

Even if the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in such a state, the capillary force acts only in the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the liquid containing the specimen does not easily move from the capillary portion 136 re to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, and thus the liquid is suppressed from leaking from the outlet to the second flow path 112. For this reason, the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in the state where the reaction chamber 161 is filled with the liquid, so that the liquid is swung. In this manner, the labeling substance dispersed to the liquid from the dried agent 125 may be diffused into the liquid, and thus the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be promoted.

The reaction chamber 161 also includes the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 inner to the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the air moves in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, and the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re in contact with the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is moved by the swing. Thus, the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be further promoted.

The capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 136 t, extending in the radial direction, in the vicinity of the second end 106 r 2 in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of the second end 106 r 2, the height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d of the capillary portion 136 re is small. This increases the capillary force in the recessed portion 136 t, and thus the liquid is held more strongly in a portion, of the capillary portion 136 re, corresponding to the recessed portion 136 t by such a stronger capillary force. Therefore, even though the force of inertia acts on the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re by the swing of the sample analysis substrate 100, the liquid is suppressed, by the stronger capillary force in the portion corresponding to the recessed portion 136 t, from moving to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1.

As described above, the sample analysis substrate 100 including the above-described reaction chamber 161 may be swung in the state where a certain amount of liquid containing a specimen is held in the reaction chamber 161. In addition, although the structure allows the liquid to be easily stirred by the swing, the liquid may be suppressed from leaking from the inlet and the outlet. Thus, the antigen in the specimen may be reacted homogeneously with the labeling substance, and the concentration of a component to be detected in the specimen may be measured at high precision.

In the case where the sample analysis substrate 100 including the above-described reaction chamber 161 and the sample analysis device 200 are operated as the sample analysis system 501, the sample analysis device 200 may be operated by, for example, the procedure following the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. In this case, in step S11, the specimen solution is introduced into the second portion 106 r of the reaction chamber 106, and then the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung. Thus, the dried agent 125 and the specimen solution are put into contact with each other to release the magnetic particle-immobilized antibody 30 into the specimen solution and elute the labelled antibody 308 into the specimen solution. As a result, as described above, the antigen in the specimen and the labeling substance may be reacted with each other homogeneously, and thus the concentration of a component to be detected in the specimen may be measured at high precision.

The reaction chamber 161 having the above-described structure may be modified in various manners. Specifically, the shape of the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 and the position of the recessed portion 136 t may be modified in various manners.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view showing the space of a reaction chamber 162 in another embodiment three-dimensionally. FIG. 32A through FIG. 32D respectively show cross-sections of the second portion 106 r shown in FIG. 31 taken along line A-A′, B-B′, C-C′ and D-D′.

In the reaction chamber 162 shown in FIG. 31, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is not connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 has the opening 123. The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is not connected with the inlet 106 ri, either. Namely, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, inner to the capillary portion 136 re, does not extend to the first end 106 r 1 or the second end 106 r 2. The capillary portion 136 re does not includes the recessed portion 136 t.

Like the reaction chamber 161, the reaction chamber 162 included in the sample analysis substrate 100 includes the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from leaking to the second flow path 112. For this reason, the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in the state where the reaction chamber 161 is filled with the liquid, so that the liquid is swung. In this manner, the labeling substance dispersed to the liquid from the dried agent 125 may be diffused into the liquid, and thus the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be promoted.

The reaction chamber 162 also includes the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 inner to the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the air moves in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, and the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re in contact with the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is moved by the swing. Thus, the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be further promoted. Specifically, the second non-capillary portion 136 of the reaction chamber 162 is not connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 or the inlet 106 ri. Therefore, even though the liquid containing the specimen is moved from the capillary portion 136 re to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing of the sample analysis substrate 100, the liquid moved to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 cannot move to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 or the inlet 106 ri, and thus returns to the capillary portion 136 re. In this manner, a large effect of performing the mixture in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing may be provided.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view showing the space of a reaction chamber 163 in still another embodiment three-dimensionally. FIG. 34A through FIG. 34D respectively show cross-sections of the second portion 106 r shown in FIG. 33 taken along line A-A′, B-B′, C-C′ and D-D′.

In the reaction chamber 163 shown in FIG. 33, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is not connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1, but is connected with the first region 106 qf, which is a non-capillary space, of the first portion 106 q. The capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 136 t, extending in the radial direction, close to the first end 106 r 1 in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of the first end 106 r 1, the height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d of the capillary portion 136 re is small.

Like the reaction chamber 161, the reaction chamber 163 included in the sample analysis substrate 100 includes the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from leaking to the second flow path 112. For this reason, the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in the state where the reaction chamber 161 is filled with the liquid, so that the liquid is swung. In this manner, the labeling substance dispersed to the liquid from the dried agent 125 may be diffused into the liquid, and thus the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be promoted.

The reaction chamber 163 also includes the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 inner to the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the air moves in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, and the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re in contact with the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is moved by the swing. Thus, the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be further promoted. Specifically, the second non-capillary portion 136 of the reaction chamber 162 is connected with the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q. Therefore, even though the liquid containing the specimen is moved from the capillary portion 136 re to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing of the sample analysis substrate 100, the liquid moved to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 may return to the capillary portion 136 re via the first region 106 qf or directly return to the capillary portion 136 re. In this manner, a large effect of performing the mixture in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing may be provided.

In addition, the capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 316 t close to the first end 106 r 1 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from moving to the first portion 106 q.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view showing the space of a reaction chamber 164 in still another embodiment three-dimensionally. FIG. 36A through FIG. 36D respectively show cross-sections of the second portion 106 r shown in FIG. 35 taken along line A-A′, B-B′, C-C′ and D-D′.

In the reaction chamber 164 shown in FIG. 35, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 and the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q. The capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 136 t, extending in the radial direction, close to each of the first end 106 r 1 and the second end 106 r 2 in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of each of the first end 106 r 1 and the second end 106 r 2, the capillary portion 136 re includes a portion in which the height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is small.

Like the reaction chamber 161, the reaction chamber 164 included in the sample analysis substrate 100 includes the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from leaking to the second flow path 112. For this reason, the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in the state where the reaction chamber 164 is filled with the liquid, so that the liquid is swung. In this manner, the labeling substance dispersed to the liquid from the dried agent 125 may be diffused into the liquid, and thus the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be promoted.

The reaction chamber 164 also includes the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 inner to the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the air moves in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, and the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re in contact with the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is moved by the swing. Thus, the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be further promoted. Specifically, the second non-capillary portion 136 of the reaction chamber 162 is connected with the first region 106 qf of the first portion 106 q and the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. Namely, the capillary portion 136 re is connected and communicated with such a non-capillary space in each of three directions. Therefore, the air in the non-capillary spaces enclosing the capillary portion 136 re is integrally moved by the swing of the sample analysis substrate 100, and thus a large effect of stirring and mixing the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re may be provided.

In addition, the capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 316 t close to each of the first end 106 r 1 and the second end 106 r 2 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from moving to the first portion 106 q and to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1.

FIG. 37 is an isometric view showing the space of a reaction chamber 165 in still another embodiment three-dimensionally. FIG. 38A through FIG. 38D respectively show cross-sections of the second portion 106 r shown in FIG. 37 taken along line A-A′, B-B′, C-C′ and D-D′.

In the reaction chamber 165 shown in FIG. 37, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is not connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1. The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 has the opening 123. The second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is not connected with the inlet 106 ri, either. Namely, the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, inner to the capillary portion 136 re, does not extend to the first end 106 r 1 or the second end 106 r 2. The capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 136 t, extending in the radial direction, close to the second end 106 r 2 in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of the second end 106 r 2, the capillary portion 136 re includes a portion in which the height between the top surface 106 u and the bottom surface 106 d is small.

Like the reaction chamber 161, the reaction chamber 165 included in the sample analysis substrate 100 includes the first non-capillary portion 136. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from leaking to the second flow path 112. For this reason, the sample analysis substrate 100 is swung in the state where the reaction chamber 161 is filled with the liquid, so that the liquid is swung. In this manner, the labeling substance dispersed to the liquid from the dried agent 125 may be diffused into the liquid, and thus the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be promoted.

The reaction chamber 165 also includes the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 inner to the capillary portion 136 re. Therefore, the air moves in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2, and the liquid held in the capillary portion 136 re in contact with the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 is moved by the swing. Thus, the mixture of the labeling substance and the liquid may be further promoted. Specifically, the second non-capillary portion 136 of the reaction chamber 162 is not connected with the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 or the inlet 106 ri. Therefore, even though the liquid containing the specimen is moved from the capillary portion 136 re to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing of the sample analysis substrate 100, the liquid moved to the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 cannot move to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1 or the inlet 106 ri, and thus returns to the capillary portion 136 re. In this manner, a large effect of performing the mixture in the second non-capillary portion 136 rf 2 by the swing may be provided.

In addition, the capillary portion 136 re includes the recessed portion 316 t close to the second end 106 r 2 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the liquid is suppressed from moving to the first non-capillary portion 136 rf 1.

Other Modification Examples

In this embodiment, a measurement system using magnetic particles is assumed. The sample analysis substrate, the sample analysis device, the sample analysis system and the program for the sample analysis system according to an embodiment of the present application are not limited to the measurement system using the magnetic particles. For example, the target on which the primary antibody is immobilized may be a wall in the chamber instead of the magnetic particle. Namely, in the case where the chamber is formed of a material such as polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like, the primary antibody may be immobilized to the wall in the chamber by physical adsorption, and a binding reaction with the antigen or the labeled antibody in a sandwich manner may be caused in the chamber. Alternatively, in the case where a functional group bindable with the primary antibody (e.g., amino group or carboxyl group) is provided on the wall in the chamber, the primary antibody may be immobilized by chemical bonding, and a binding reaction with the antigen or the labeled antibody in the sandwich manner may be caused in the chamber. In the case where the wall in the chamber includes a metal substrate, the primary antibody may be bound and immobilized to the metal substrate by use of, for example, SAM, and a binding reaction with the antigen or the labeled antibody in the sandwich manner may be caused in the chamber. Immobilization of the primary antibody to the wall in the chamber by physical adsorption or chemical bonding is mainly usable for a system detecting a signal such as colorant, chemical light emission or fluorescence. By contrast, immobilization of the primary antibody to the metal substrate is mainly used for a system detecting an electrochemical signal (e.g., electric current) or electrochemical light emission signal. In this case, the magnet 121 shown in FIG. 3B is not necessary. The reaction field in which the complex body 310 is formed is not the reaction chamber 106, but is the main chamber 107. Therefore, the primary antibody needs to be immobilized to the wall of the main chamber 107.

The sample analysis substrate, the sample analysis device, the sample analysis system and the program for the sample analysis system according to this disclosure are applicable to a competitive immunoassay and a gene detection method by use of hybridization as well as the sandwich immunoassay.

In the above-described embodiments, an example of washing for the B/F separation is described. The sample analysis substrate, the sample analysis device and the sample analysis system in this embodiment are applicable to any of various sample analysis methods in which a solution other than the washing solution is introduced into the chamber as being divided into a plurality of portions as described above. In the above-described embodiments, the liquid is continuously introduced into the chamber. Alternatively, the operation of rotating and stopping the sample analysis substrate, and the angle at which the sample analysis substrate is stopped, may be controlled appropriately, so that another step(s) may be performed during the introduction.

In the above-described embodiments, the washing is performed twice. The washing may be performed three or more times optionally.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The sample analysis substrate, the sample analysis device, the sample analysis system and the program for the sample analysis system disclosed in the present application are applicable to analysis of a specific component in a specimen using any of various reactions.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100, 151-159 sample analysis substrate -   100′ substrate -   100 a base plate -   100 b cover plate -   100 c, 100 d main surface -   100 f wall portion -   101, 101A first holding chamber -   101B fourth holding chamber -   101 a, 102 a outermost side surface -   101 c, 101 d adjacent side surface -   102 second holding chamber -   103 third holding chamber -   104 first storage chamber -   105 second storage chamber -   106 reaction chamber -   106 q first portion -   106 qa outermost side surface -   106 qe second region -   106 qf first region -   106 r second portion -   106 ra outermost side surface -   106 rb innermost side surface -   106 re second region -   106 rf first region -   107 main chamber -   108 recovery chamber -   110 rotation shaft -   111 first flow path -   112 second flow path -   113 third flow path -   114 fourth flow path -   115 fifth flow path -   116 sixth flow path -   117 seventh flow path -   120 magnet accommodation chamber -   121 magnet -   122 air hole -   123 opening -   125 dried agent -   126 wall -   136 re capillary portion -   136 rf non-capillary portion -   136 rf 1 first non-capillary portion -   136 rf 2 second non-capillary portion -   136 t recessed portion -   200 sample analysis device -   201 motor -   201 a turntable -   203 origin detector -   203 a light source -   203 b light receiving element -   203 c origin detection circuit -   204 rotation angle detection circuit -   205 control circuit -   206 driving circuit -   207 optical measurement unit -   210 marker -   210 a edge -   210 b edge -   302 magnetic particle -   304 primary antibody -   305 magnetic particle-immobilized antibody -   306 antigen -   307 labeling substance -   308 labeled antibody -   310 complex body -   311 magnetic particle -   501 sample analysis system 

1. A sample analysis substrate rotatable to transfer a liquid containing a specimen to analyze a specific substance in the specimen, the sample analysis substrate comprising: a base plate including a rotation shaft; a reaction chamber located in the base plate, the reaction chamber including a space holding the liquid containing the specimen and having an inlet and an outlet connected with the space; and a dried agent located in the space of the reaction chamber, wherein the space has a first end and a second end away from each other in a circumferential direction, wherein the inlet and outlet are respectively located at the first end and the second end, and wherein the space includes a capillary portion and a first non-capillary portion connected with the capillary portion, located at the second end, having an opening, and extending in a radial direction, and the output is connected to, and provided outer to, the first non-capillary portion.
 2. The sample analysis substrate of claim 1, wherein the space includes a second non-capillary portion connected with the capillary portion, located inner to the capillary portion, having an opening, and extending in the circumferential direction.
 3. The sample analysis substrate of claim 2, wherein the second non-capillary portion is connected with the first non-capillary portion.
 4. The sample analysis substrate of claim 2, wherein the second non-capillary portion is connected with the inlet.
 5. The sample analysis substrate of claim 2, wherein the second non-capillary portion is not connected with the inlet or the first non-capillary portion.
 6. The sample analysis substrate of claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber has a top surface and a bottom surface defining the space, and wherein the capillary portion in the space has substantially an equal height, between the top surface and the bottom surface, in the circumferential direction.
 7. The sample analysis substrate of claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber has a top surface and a bottom surface defining the space, and wherein the capillary portion in the space includes a portion in which a height between the top surface and the bottom surface is different from the other portion in the circumferential direction.
 8. The sample analysis substrate of claim 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of the first end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.
 9. The sample analysis substrate of claim 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of the second end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.
 10. The sample analysis substrate of claim 7, wherein the capillary portion includes a portion, in the vicinity of each of the first end and the second end, in which the height between the top surface and the bottom surface is small.
 11. A sample analysis system, comprising: the sample analysis substrate of claim 1; and a sample analysis device including: a motor rotating the sample analysis substrate about the rotation shaft; a rotation angle detection circuit detecting a rotation angle of a rotation shaft of the motor; a driving circuit controlling the rotation of the motor and the rotation angle at which the motor stops, based on a result of the detection of the rotation angle detection circuit; and a control circuit including an operator, a memory and a program stored on the memory so as to be executable by the operator, the control circuit controlling an operation of the motor, the rotation angle detection circuit and the driving circuit based on the program; wherein in the case where the sample analysis substrate having the liquid containing the specimen introduced into the reaction chamber is mounted on the sample analysis device, the program causes the sample analysis substrate to swing to release and disperse the dried agent into the liquid. 